Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff testifies before the House Committee on Homeland Security over the FY2009 budget.

Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) opened the hearing today outlining his national security goals. He said that he wants to enhance security for all modes of transportation, shield the nation’s critical infrastructure from terrorism, implement border and port security, and inspire minds for the future of Homeland Security. Thompson issued criticisms of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) FY2009 Budget saying that it failed to address mass transit rail concerns. He also criticized the budget for cutting funding from certain grant programs, including an initiative to fund local governments’ security programs.

Ranking member of the Committee Peter King (R-NY) commended DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff for his work at the department and said that he acknowledges that the U.S. has not been attacked since September 11th, 2001 as a result of the phenomenal work and progress of the DHS. He said that he had some criticisms of the budget but said that he does not criticize Chertoff’s leadership. He told Chertoff that the more time he spends testifying before committees is less time that he can spend protecting the homeland.

DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff called the department’s $50.5 billion budget “sound and fiscally responsible.” The figure represented a 6.8% increase over the 2008 budget. Chertoff said that the nation needs a robust and effective Homeland Security Department that acts with a “strong fist” but said that it also needs to be able to adapt to evolving global threats. He warned that Europe was in danger from terrorist attack and cited several recently foiled terror plots in Germany and Spain. He said that 294 miles of fencing has been built so far along the border with Mexico and said that the budget asks for $3.5 billion to hire and train border patrol agents. He also said that the budget asks for funds to build an effective emergency response system including $164.5 million for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiatives.