Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced his support for the Homeland Security Appropriations Act that passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 389 to 9.  Larsen praised the bills attention to Border security, particularly as Washington State prepares for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

“My goal is to ensure the Northern Border is safe, secure and allows for the free flow of travel and commerce,” said Larsen.

The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5441) included $19.6 billion for border security, immigration enforcement and related activities.  Specifically, $2.3 billion will be used for border security, adding 1200 new Border Patrol personnel to our borders.  Larsen will work to ensure that 20 percent of those agents are stationed at the Northern Border as mandated in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.

Additionally, Larsen secured language in the bill related to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia and the effects of the games on Washington state.  The language directs the Department of Homeland Security to work with Washington state and Canadian stakeholders to review and report back to Congress their analysis on expected border flow, border security, border wait times, and the possible need for increased border personnel.

“As many as three million people are expected to attend the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. The security concerns and economic opportunities are great for both Canada and Washington state,” said Larsen. “As a co-chair of the State’s 2010 Olympics Task Force, I am working to make sure our border crossings are ready to handle the risks and benefits the Games will bring.”

The House and Senate must now agree on a final version of the Homeland Security bill before the president can sign it into law.

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