BUSH Admin To SLASH Counterterrorism Funding For Police, Firefighters, Rescue Depts-By Half Next Yr.

[kpete]

Bush intends to slash counterterrorism funding for police, firefighters and rescue departments across the country by more than half

Emergency Responders Face Deep Aid Cuts

Nov 30 07:19 PM US/Eastern
By EILEEN SULLIVAN and DEVLIN BARRETT

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration intends to slash counterterrorism funding for police, firefighters and rescue departments across the country by more than half next year, according to budget documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The Homeland Security Department has given $23 billion to states and local communities to fight terrorism since the Sept. 11 attacks, but one document says the administration is not convinced that the money has been well spent and thinks the nation's highest-risk cities have largely satisfied their security needs.

The department wanted to provide $3.2 billion to help states and cities protect against terrorist attacks in 2009, but the White House said it would ask Congress for less than half—$1.4 billion, according to a Nov. 26 document. The plan calls outright elimination of programs for port security, transit security, and local emergency management operations in the next budget year. This is President Bush's last budget, and the new administration would have to live with the funding decisions between Jan. 20 and Sept. 30, 2009.

The Homeland Security department and the White House Office of Management and Budget, which is in charge of the administration's spending plans, would not provide details about the funding cuts because nothing has been finalized. "It would be premature to speculate on any details that will or will not be a part of the next fiscal year budget," OMB spokesman Sean Kevelighan said, because negotiations between the White House and the Cabinet departments over the budget are not finished.

more at:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=2007-11-30_D8T89LT82&show_article=1&cat=breaking

[leveymg]

1. The GWOT was just a big pork barrel for GOP pals, anyway.

After 9/11, DHS never broke up a legitimate terrorist cell. Not one.

Hate to tell you this, folks, but we created our own enemies. And, that's for real.

[deacon]

2. k + r

[rocktivity]

3. Slash it for the contractors and mercenaries--they're more expendable

and if they want to keep serving, let them join the service.

:headbang:
rocknation

[opihimoimoi]

4. WTF??? Bush and Cronies just don't have a clue as to running a DEPT efficiently and effectively

They are winging it....Heckofajob bushie

[deacon]

5. Why and what and how and why and what what what?

Does he ever do anything that makes sense?

[Deja Q]

6. Okay, curtailing wasteful spending is never a bad thing,

but something seems amiss regarding that development.

[Reno.Muse]

10. I'd be happy to shed some light on this ...I worked for the department

at the state level that handled those Homeland Security grants that came to our state. Every year, a group of cops and firemen/women come together from almost every city and county and argue through who gets what from the state share of the federal pot.

One thing that has happened is there has been alot of wasteful spending. Money has been spent on project that haven't been completed, on plans that are approved and never implemented and the bigger cities hog most of the funds for fusion centers and other crap that has nothing to do with "terrorism".



Even Bush and his White House jerks knows there is a better use for that money.

[blues90]

7. Probably so they can privatize everything .

[IDemo]

8. bingo. Blackwater-ization in action

[deacon]

9. Another worthwhile kick for this. n/t

[leftofthedial]

11. who cares?

"terrorism" is not in the top twenty-five of the major issues faced by first responders

[Bluebear]

13. Point being, "terror" was Bush's stock in trade.

Now that he's leaving office he could give a shit anymore.

[MagickMuffin]

14. We should ALL give a shit AFTER they leave office

from the article:

The department wanted to provide $3.2 billion to help states and cities protect against terrorist attacks in 2009, but the White House said it would ask Congress for less than half—$1.4 billion, according to a Nov. 26 document. The plan calls outright elimination of programs for port security, transit security, and local emergency management operations in the next budget year. This is President Bush's last budget, and the new administration would have to live with the funding decisions between Jan. 20 and Sept. 30, 2009.

Now let's just consider a few things about the situation concerning the last sentence.

This is President Bush's last budget, and the new administration would have to live with the funding decisions between Jan. 20 and Sept. 30, 2009.

We should all realize just how desperate the rethugs will be should they lose the election fair and square. With all of Cheney's connections throughout the middle east and around the world, and knowing that he doesn't give a rats ass about anyone not within his class, I think he is capable of pulling off a caper. Cheney is one calculating MOFO, and I wouldn't put anything passed him.

With the incoming administration having to rely on a weak security budget, especially ports, and transit security. Well, let's just say I hope my gut is wrong about this scenario that keeps playing in my head. I really fear when these criminals are OUT of office.

[leftofthedial]

15. I know. I was being snarky for no good reason.

the lying scumwads

[SoCalDem]

12. know why??

So he can re-write history about being fiscally responsible and brag about how he cut the budget..and so when a dem comes to the WH, THEY can be blamed for "spending all the tax payer's money"..:grr: