Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation

Analysis of the House Appropriations Committee Markup of the 2008 Homeland Security Appropriations Act (H.R. 2638)

by Christopher Hellman [contact information]

June 15, 2007

Editor's Note: The Center has long been recognized for its expert analysis of the annual defense budget process.  We believe that the end of the Cold War and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have fundamentally changed the definition of "national security."  As a result, we have begun to look more broadly at federal funding for security programs.  In the coming months we hope to expand our traditional budget analysis beyond the Pentagon and into other areas of federal spending.  We hope that you will find our new materials to be as useful as our past work, and that you will feel free to share your ideas and comments on our efforts.

INTRODUCTION

The House Appropriations Committee completed its work on H.R. 2638, the FY'08 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, on June 8.  The bill includes $36.3 billion in new budget authority for the Department of Homeland Security.   This is $2.5 billion above the amount approved for FY'07 and $2.1 billion above the President's FY'08 request.  The full House is expected to take up consideration of the legislation the week of June 11.

BACKGROUND

The Department of Homeland Security was created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to better coordinate the activities of the dozens of federal agencies potentially involved in responding to, or preventing, emergencies in the United States, including acts of terrorism and natural disasters.  While the Department of Homeland Security accounts for the majority of the U.S. annual homeland security budget, other federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Justice Department also contribute considerable resources.  In all, the Bush Administration is requesting over $61 billion for homeland security in FY'08.

HIGHLIGHTS

Border Security - Includes funding for 17,819 Border Patrol agents, 3,000 above the current number. Calls for an increase of 500 Border Patrol agents along the nation's Northern Border by October, 2008, for a total of 1,658 agents. Fully funds the $1 billion request for Border Security, Fencing, Infrastructure and Technology (BSFIT).

"Deepwater" Funding - Reduces the $837 million request for the Coast Guard's "Deepwater" modernization program by $139 million, citing concerns about the program's technical risks and the fact that the 128 foot cutters procured under the program have had to be de-commissioned due to structural problems. Eliminates the $54 million requested for one Replacement Patrol Boat (FRC-B).

FEMA State and Local Assistance - Provides $3.1 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's State and Local assistance programs, $577 million above FY'07 levels and $1.4 billion above the Administration's FY'08 request. The Committee also includes $800 million for Firefighter Assistance Grants, $500 million above the request.

Domestic Nuclear Detection - Provides $317 million for the work of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), $44 million above current levels and $3 million below the Administration's request.

FUNDING PROVISIONS

Total Funding

• FY'07 Enacted: $33.7 billion
• FY'08 Request: $34.2 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $36.3 billion
  

Departmental Management and Operations (Title I)

• FY'07 Enacted: $1.019 billion
• FY'08 Request: $1.097 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $1.025 billion
  

Security, Enforcement, and Investigations (Title II)

• FY'07 Enacted: $24.057 billion
• FY'08 Request: $25.231 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $25.412 billion

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• FY'07 Enacted: $5.562 billion
• FY'08 Request: $6.58 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $6.63 billion 
  

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

• FY'07 Enacted: $3.887 billion
• FY'08 Request: $4.162 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $4.146 billion
  

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• FY'07 Enacted: $4.739 billion
• FY'08 Request: $4.953 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $5.199 billion
• NOTE: Funding shown is ONLY for aviation security

U.S. Coast Guard

• FY'07 Enacted: $6.784 billion
• FY'08 Request: $6.843 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $6.719 billion
• NOTE: Funding shown is for "Operating Expenses" and "Acquisition, Construction and Improvements"

U.S. Secret Service

• FY '07 Enacted: $1.273 billion
• FY'08 Request: $1.395 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $1.392 billion
• NOTE: Funding shown is ONLY for "Salaries and Expenses"

Protection, Preparedness, Response and Recovery (Title III)

• FY'07 Enacted: $6.952 billion
• FY'08 Request: $6.209 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $8.286 billion

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• FEMA Management and Administration
• FY'07 Enacted: $535 million
• FY'08 Request: $668 million
• Committee Recommendation: $685 million

FEMA State and Local Programs

• FY'07 Enacted: $2.525 billion
• FY'08 Request: $1.696 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $3.101 billion

FEMA Firefighter Assistance Grants

• FY'07 Enacted: $662 million
• FY'08 Request: $300 million
• Committee Recommendation: $800 million

FEMA Disaster Relief

• FY'07 Enacted: $1.487 billion
• FY'08 Request: $1.7 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $1.7 billion

Research, Development, Training and Services (Title IV)

• FY'07 Enacted: $1.696 billion
• FY'08 Request: $1.654 billion
• Committee Recommendation: $1.586 billion

Chemical and Biological Programs

• FY'07 Enacted: $230 million
• FY'08 Request: $229 million
• Committee Recommendation: $215 million

Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO)

• FY'07 Enacted: $273 million
• FY'08 Request: $320 million
• Committee Recommendation: $317 million
• NOTE: Funding shown is for "Research, Development and Operations" only

SOURCES

Defense Homeland Security's Year 2008 budget request, House Appropriations Committee press release (June 8, 2007), and House Committee Report 110-181.