Obama seeks $55 billion for DHS in 2010

Obama seeks $55 billion for DHS in 2010    The Obama administration on Thursday said it is seeking $55 billion to fund the activities of the Department of Homeland Security during fiscal year 2010, up $2.5 billion from the amount appropriated by Congress for the current year.
   U.S. Customs and Border Protection would receive $11.4 billion under the budget request, including $9.3 million more for import safety and trade enforcement personnel. Congress appropriated $11.3 billion for CBP in fiscal year 2009.
   The Transportation Security Administration budget request is for $7.8 billion, up from the $6.9 billion enacted for this year.
   The Coast Guard budget is $9.95 billion, up from $9.6 billion for the current fiscal year.
   DHS also seeks an extra $24.7 million to $120.8 million for research into explosives detection technologies to protect civil aviation, mass transit and critical infrastructure.

Obama

   An increase of $64 million would be used for modernizing background check programs for transportation workers and others. Improvements are expected to coordinate programs and reduce duplicative background checks.
   DHS also requested a $10 million increase for the Intermodal Security Coordination Office to support coordinated planning with the Department of Transportation in the development of a plan for funding critical intermodal freight infrastructure needs.
   The department also requested an additional $26 million to support its initiative for combating outbound smuggling of cash and firearms to Mexico, including 65 more Customs and Border Protection officers and 44 Border Patrol agents. Another $70 million in new funding is targeted at hiring 349 Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, analysts and investigators.
   The Coast Guard would get a boost of five cutters and two patrol aircraft if the budget is approved.