(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin last night voted in favor of the $31.9 billion FY2006 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report, reaffirming his commitment to supply the nation’s first responders with the resources and equipment they need, despite having reservations about certain bill provisions. The legislation passed by a vote of 347-70.

The measure funds priorities such as 1,000 additional border patrol agents, port and transit security improvements, the Coast Guard’s Deepwater program, and a pilot program to improve air cargo screening.

“However, this conference report is not perfect,” said Langevin, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. “I am deeply concerned that this legislation implements structural changes proposed by DHS Secretary Chertoff’s Second Stage Review without full Congressional scrutiny. While some changes may be warranted, yesterday’s vote shifted the TSA, eliminated the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, and weakened FEMA at a time when we need the agency to be strengthened, all without the benefit of significant oversight.”

In an effort to clarify the vagueness of several reorganization proposals and set long term goals for the department, Langevin urged support for the Department of Homeland Security Reform Act, legislation introduced yesterday by Langevin and his Democratic colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee. Some of the Reform Act proposals include:

• Outlining the duties of the new Chief Intelligence Officer and Chief Medical Officer
• Establishing an Assistant Secretary for Physical Infrastructure Security and an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Telecommunications
• Keeping FEMA’s preparedness and response duties intact and strengthening the agency by requiring the Director and Deputy Director to have extensive emergency management experience before appointment
• Creating FEMA military liaisons to coordinate preparations and responses
• Requiring a Quadrennial Homeland Security Review

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