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Bush calls for increased budget for seaport security initiatives
President Bush on Friday touted increased funding for seaport security initiatives in his fiscal 2005 budget proposal.
"That's why I've come to this vital seaport, to remind people ... that we have a solemn duty to protect our homeland, including the seaports of America," said Bush in Charleston, S.C.
Bush's budget request unveiled on Monday includes $1.9 billion for the Homeland Security Department's port security efforts -- an increase of 13 percent compared to the fiscal 2004 level.
The president also highlighted the department's program to screen ship cargo before it leaves foreign ports. Under the president's plan, the Container Security Initiative would receive a boost of $25 million from the previous fiscal year.
For seaport security, the budget also includes: $102 million for the Coast Guard security efforts; $50 million for advanced screening devices and $20.6 million to bolster staffing and technology at the nation's operation center for seaport security.
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