US Senate diverts war funds for border security
ISN SECURITY WATCH (Thursday, 27 April 2006: 01.03 CET) – The US Senate has approved US$1.9 billion in emergency funds to strengthen border security, news agencies reported.
The funds will be diverted from war funding this year, reports said.
The Senate approved in a 59-39 vote the amendment to a massive bill that primarily funds the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the rebuilding of southern US states hit by Hurricane Katrina last year.
The bill includes US$67.6 billion for the Pentagon's military operations and US$27.1 billion for hurricane relief. It also includes US$2.1 billion for levees and flood-control projects.
The border security amendment would help repair or replace vehicles, aircraft, helicopters, and boats used by law enforcement officials.
A final vote on the bill is expected next week.
President George W. Bush has threatened to veto the measure because it would spend about $12 billion more than he is seeking.
The funds will be diverted from war funding this year, reports said.
The Senate approved in a 59-39 vote the amendment to a massive bill that primarily funds the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the rebuilding of southern US states hit by Hurricane Katrina last year.
The bill includes US$67.6 billion for the Pentagon's military operations and US$27.1 billion for hurricane relief. It also includes US$2.1 billion for levees and flood-control projects.
The border security amendment would help repair or replace vehicles, aircraft, helicopters, and boats used by law enforcement officials.
A final vote on the bill is expected next week.
President George W. Bush has threatened to veto the measure because it would spend about $12 billion more than he is seeking.
posted by Marko at 4/27/2006 07:21:00 AM
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