Price's security bill clears U.S. House

bniolet — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:49:53 -0400

Despite rounds of complaints by Republicans, the U.S. House of Representatives late Wednesday approved the Homeland Security spending bill championed by U.S. Rep. David Price of Chapel Hill.

The vote was 389-37, Barb Barrett reports.

Price, a Democrat, is chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee on Homeland Security, responsible for writing and passing legislation that pays for border security, airport security, disaster response, immigration matters, the Secret Service and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The bill spends $42.6 billion — a $2.6 billion increase over last year, but slightly below President Barack Obama’s request.

"This bill will enable our government to better protect the American people against all major threats," Price said in a statement. "The key investments made here will assist first responders and enhance security on our borders, at our ports, and in aviation and transit. And this legislation makes these investments in a fiscally responsible manner, coming in under the President’s budget request and saving $1.8 billion through elimination of 17 programs and reduced funding for another 40 programs."

Republicans said Democrats had wrongly limited amendments on the spending bill on the House floor. As part of their opposition, they repeated offered motions to adjourn early Wednesday, then requested roll calls when the motions were rejected, according to Congressional Quarterly.