Thread: Sen Clinton invites Chertoff to region to see security needs

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Sen. Clinton invites Chertoff to region to see security needs
8/28/2006, 4:45 p.m. ET
By CAROLYN THOMPSON
The Associated Press


BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton invited Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff for a look at why the Buffalo region should receive more — not less — anti-terror funding, saying the Bush administration and Department of Homeland Security "just don't get it" when it comes to funding security efforts.

"We need to expose the decision makers in Washington to the reality of the threats we face here," Clinton, D-N.Y., said at a news conference Monday near the heavily traveled Peace Bridge linking Buffalo and Fort Erie, Ontario.

This year, Buffalo's share of security money under a program to aid cities was cut by 48.6 percent, from $7.2 million to $3.7 million. Officials acknowledged that some of the region's five international bridges, as well as numerous chemical and electrical plants and sports arenas, had not been considered when the city's funding needs were assessed because they fall outside an established 10-mile buffer.

New York City's funding was cut 40 percent.

"More than ever it's clear to me that when it comes to protecting our citizens from terrorists, the Department of Homeland Security and the administration just don't get it," said Clinton, a likely 2008 presidential candidate.

"Today, I'm calling on Secretary Chertoff to join me on a tour of the Buffalo-Niagara region so that he can see for himself the reality of our homeland security needs," she said.

Last month, New York Republican Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, toured Buffalo and nearby Niagara Falls by helicopter at the invitation of fellow Republican Rep. Thomas Reynolds, saying afterward the experience allowed him to see just how vulnerable the area is.

That tour followed a visit in June by Homeland Security under secretary George Foresman, who said the region's proximity to Canada would be considered in future funding decisions but made no promises that Buffalo would receive any future money under the Urban Area Security Initiative.

Chertoff's office did not immediately return a phone call Monday seeking his response to Clinton's invitation.

Clinton and others in the state's congressional delegation have been pushing for risk-only based distribution of UASI funding. Sen. Charles Schumer last month cited a report by the Homeland Security Inspector Generals office that he said listed dozens of questionable locations counted as potential terrorist targets, including an Alabama petting zoo, a Mule Day Parade in Tennessee, and the Amish Country Popcorn company, which has five employees in Indiana.

"We've got places around our county who don't know what to do with the funding they're getting," Clinton said. "They're buying equipment so they can have it for a special occasion. It has nothing to do with an integrated approach to dealing with homeland security challenges.

"It's been a struggle with this administration," said Clinton, who was joined by Mayor Byron Brown and police and fire officials. "I don't think they've given homeland security the priority that it should have from the very beginning."

Gov. George Pataki has moved to restore some of the anti-terror money Buffalo and New York City lost with funds from Albany.

"I don't think they've given homeland security the priority that it should have from the very beginning."

Like she has? Pleeeeze. You can't vote for S. 2611 and claim you're concerned about national security. Senator Clinton, sit down and be quiet.