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Bush to Cut Anti-Terror Funding

Proposal to ax port, transit security sparks bipartisan ire

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 1, 2007 5:45 PM CST
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(Newser) – Bush plans to cut counterterror funds in half next year, nixing port and transit security plans altogether, the AP reports. The drop from $3.2 billion to $1.4 billion would slash police, fire, and rescue budgets nationwide—and run counter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff's vow of less "bean-counting" after New York and Washington dollars were cut 40% in 2005.

Homeland Security and the White House say the numbers aren't final, but they are already drawing bipartisan fire. California Sen. Barbara Boxer, who warns that a port attack could cripple the country, called the proposal "dead on arrival." Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y, said it  is "a very grave mistake, and I will do all I can to stop it."

President Bush waves as he arrives to make remarks on the budget, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007, in New Albany, Ind. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush waves as he arrives to make remarks on the budget, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007, in New Albany, Ind. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)   (Associated Press)
U.S. map shows State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for 2007; 2c x 3 5/8 inches; 96.3 mm x 92.1 mm
U.S. map shows State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for 2007; 2c x 3 5/8 inches; 96.3 mm x 92.1 mm   (Associated Press)
President Bush makes remarks on the budget, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007, in New Albany, Ind. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush makes remarks on the budget, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007, in New Albany, Ind. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)   (Associated Press)
President Bush speaks on the budget to business and community leaders in New Albany, Ind., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
President Bush speaks on the budget to business and community leaders in New Albany, Ind., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)   (Associated Press)
President Bush speaks on the national budget to an audience in Rogers, Ark on Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Bush speaks on the national budget to an audience in Rogers, Ark on Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)   (Associated Press)
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California • terrorism • Charles Schumer • New York • homeland security • counterterrorism • Barbara Boxer • Peter King • George W. Bush

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