Senate panel votes $28.5 billion for DHS budget

Senate panel votes $28.5 billion for DHS budget    The Senate Appropriations Committee approved $28.5 billion in the 2004 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security Thursday. The bill, which is $900 million less than the House version, must still go to the floor of the Senate for a vote.
   The Appropriations Committee recommended $19.4 billion for border and transportation security, of which $8.2 billion is devoted to border protection. The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection would get $4.9 billion, including $12.1 million for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and $61.8 million for the Container Security Initiative.
   Another $119.3 million is devoted to gamma ray, explosives and radiation equipment at border crossings and $77.3 million for additional personnel, of which $41 million is for 570 border agents.
   The bill also provides $150 million for port security grants, $30 million for Operation Safe Commerce and $60 million for air cargo security measures.