Pelosi: Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Reflects Commitment of Democrats to Protect American People

'The strong homeland security appropriations bill passed by the House today reflects the commitment of Democrats to protect the American people.

'The bill funds the hiring of 3,000 new border patrol agents, rejects the cuts President Bush sought in the training and equipping of first responders, and improves aviation and port security.  It also includes strong accountability measures to make certain that taxpayer dollars are being well-spent, including requiring that contracts be competitively bid.

'President Bush - whose war in Iraq has weakened our military and made our country less secure, and who has never made homeland security the priority it needs to be - has threatened to veto the bill.  I hope the clear bipartisan majority voting for the bill will encourage him to withdraw his misguided veto threat and adopt homeland security policies more in touch with the wishes of the American people.'