U.S. Rep. David Price, the man in Congress who sends money to the Department of Homeland Security, does not think we’re safer than we were Sept. 10, 2001, at least in a broad, world view.

In a speech this morning at a Washington think tank, Price repeatedly slammed the Bush administration’s foreign policies, saying President Bush squandered global good will after 9/11, punted on the Middle Eastern peace process and effectively issued a self-fulfilling prophecy with his “axis of evil” description of North Korea, Iraq, Iran and Syria.

Price, a Chapel Hill Democrat, said he does think the United States is better prepared to deal with specific threats in the wake of 9/11, Barb Barrett reports.

But, he said, “Winning ‘hearts and minds’ is no exercise in sentimentality; it is absolutely central to protecting our nation…”

Price has long advocated what he calls a “diplomatic surge,” saying the United States should focus its attention on diplomacy in the Middle East to attract and maintain allies rather than continuing the war in Iraq.

Price spoke to the Center for American Progress Action Fund, a progressive think tank in Washington, in what his staff called a major address on homeland security.

Price also listed his priorities as chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on homeland security, where he is responsible for shepherding a $40 billion spending bill.

More after the jump.

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