The Conference Agreement provides $32.0 billion for operations and activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in fiscal year 2005, an increase of $1.1 billion above the fiscal year 2004 enacted levels, and $496 million above the President’s request.  Increases above fiscal year 2004 reflect the authority to obligate $2.5 billion for Project Bioshield, as requested by the President.  These amounts exclude the $2.0 billion supplemental recently provided the Department for Hurricanes Charley and Frances and the pending supplemental of $6.5 billion for Ivan and Jeanne. 

Supporting State and Local First Responders

The bill provides $4.0 billion for first responders, including grants to high threat areas, firefighters, and emergency management.  Since September 11^th, 2001, $26.6 billion has been provided to first responders – including terrorism prevention and preparedness, general law enforcement, firefighter assistance, airport security, seaport security, and public health preparedness.  The bill also recognizes that no community is immune from terrorism and achieves a balance between basic formula grants, used by states and localities to achieve a minimum level of preparedness, and funds for high-risk urban areas.  Specific grant levels include:

Þ      $1.1 billion for basic formula grants;

Þ      $1.2 billion for high-density urban areas, including $150 million for rail security and $150 million for port security;

Þ      $400 million for State and local law enforcement terrorism prevention grants;

Þ      $715 million for firefighter grants;

Þ      $180 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants; and

Þ      $195 million for First Responder training. 

Protecting our Nation’s Borders

The conference agreement provides $9.8 billion for border protection and related activities, an increase of $700 million over fiscal year 2004 enacted levels.  These funds support next generation technology to screen high-risk cargo coming through our land and seaports; an expansion of cargo inspection at foreign ports; improvements to supply chain security; implementation of the Maritime Safety and Security Act (MTSA); and immigration security.  Specific funding includes:

Þ      $146 million for vehicle and cargo inspection technologies;

Þ      $20.6 million for increased intelligence and targeting for cargo and passengers;

Þ      $126 million for the Container Security Initiative, expanding this program to a total of 47 foreign ports; 

Þ      $38 million for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism;

Þ      $101 million for 791 new Coast Guard personnel to enforce maritime security plans;

Þ      $724 million for the U.S. Coast Guard’s “Deepwater” capital acquisition program;

Þ      $258 million for Air and Marine Operations for border and airspace security;

Þ      $74 million for border security technology, including surveillance and unmanned aerial vehicles; and

Þ      $2 million to continue an immigration security pilot project at foreign airports.

Enhancing Transportation Security

The conference agreement continues efforts to enhance security for all modes of transportation, including ports, rails and aviation, with a focus on research and development of next generation technologies to inspect baggage, passengers and cargo.  In total, the bill provides $5.7 billion – partially offset by fees – for TSA and Federal Air Marshals, including:

Þ      $2.0 billion for passenger screening;

Þ      $1.46 billion for baggage screening efforts, including $295 million to install in-line explosive detection systems, and $180 million to procure additional systems and next generation technologies;

Þ      $118 million for air cargo security, including 100 new inspectors and research and development of next generation technologies;

Þ      $12 million for rail security inspectors and explosive detection canines;

Þ      $10 million for intercity bus security; and

Þ      $662 million for Federal Air Marshals, ensuring mission coverage on both domestic and international flights and $10 million for the development of secure communications technology.

Using Science and Technology to Protect our Nation

The conference agreement provides $1.1 billion for research, development, and deployment of innovative technologies, including those proposed by universities, national laboratories, not-for-profit organizations, and private companies.  The agreement recognizes the availability of diverse technologies to protect our homeland; funds will be used to test technologies, determine their applicability to homeland security requirements, and transition these technologies for use by federal, State and local officials.  Specifically, the bill includes:

Þ      $558 million to develop radiological, nuclear, chemical, biological, and high explosives countermeasures;

Þ      $76 million for rapid development and prototyping of homeland security technologies;

Þ      $61 million for research, development, and testing of antimissile devices for commercial aircraft;

Þ      $16 million for container security research;

Þ      $65 million for bio-surveillance activities, including the use of sensors to detect aerosolized bio-threats in large metropolitan areas; and

Þ      $70 million for university-based centers of excellence.

Protecting the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure

The conference agreement significantly enhances the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP) Directorate’s ongoing work to protect our critical infrastructure and key assets, providing a total of $855 million in fiscal year 2005.  The bill supports ongoing efforts to complete an inventory of our nation’s critical infrastructures by the end of the year; the development of secure communications systems with federal, state and local entities; and on-going work with the private sector to implement protective measures.  The bill includes: 

Þ      $191.6 million for protective actions, including $22.9 million to place protective security advisors and teams in geographical areas with high concentrations of critical infrastructure; 

Þ      $11.0 million to identify and characterize potential bio-terrorist attacks;

Þ      $67.4 million for cyber-security; and

Þ      $35 million for the Homeland Security Operations Center, including $10 million for secure communications with State and local governments.

Supporting Traditional Missions such as Immigration, Disaster Mitigation and Relief, Drug Interdiction, Law Enforcement, Maritime Safety and Security, and Trade

Þ      $828 million to modernize border, customs, and immigration information technology, including $340 million for the US VISIT program and $322 million for the Automated Commercial Environment;

Þ      $2.9 billion for traditional Coast Guard operating activities, including maritime safety, drug interdiction, and fisheries, environmental, and humanitarian missions;

Þ      $1.2 billion for the U.S. Secret Service;

Þ      $2.0 billion for Disaster Relief;

Þ      $31.7 million to enforce laws related to forced child labor, intellectual property rights, and textile transshipment;

Þ      $7.1 million to support investigations related to missing and exploited children; and

Þ      $1.7 billion for immigration services, including $1.6 billion in fee supported activities.

Other Provisions

Þ      Includes bill language regarding air cargo security screening and inspections, requiring inspections to triple during the fiscal year;

Þ      Includes bill language prohibiting the use of funds to deploy or implement Secure Flight/CAPPS II until certain conditions are met;

Þ      Maintains a cap of 45,000 for TSA passenger screeners; and

Þ      Amends the Homeland Security Act with regard to contracts with foreign incorporated entities.

Þ      Includes a provision prohibiting the use of funds for processing or approving a competition under OMB Circular A-76 unless certain conditions are met. 

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