(Newser)
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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."
