Rep. Sanchez questions Homeland Security Secretary at budget hearing

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT: Adrienne Watson 202-309-0825

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ QUESTIONS SECRETARY NAPOLITANO AT FY 2012 HOMELAND BUDGET HEARING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today questioned Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano at a Committee on Homeland Security hearing on the President’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Rep. Sanchez was specifically interested in Secretary Napolitano’s take on budget cuts suggested by some House Republicans and the impact those cuts would have on the security and safety of our communities – specifically Orange County.

“A budget priority that I have continually advocated for is grant funding for local law enforcement through the Urban Area Security Initiative,” said Rep. Sanchez. “This grant program is critical to adding an extra layer of security in Orange County – in particular due to our vast array of government facilities, theme parks, large entertainment and sports venues, seaports and close proximity to a nuclear plant. I am concerned the Republicans will cut this particular grant funding by over $87 million in the continuing resolution passed by the House, which could lead to the elimination of the UASI grant program in the OC. Secretary Napolitano echoed my concern that these misplaced priorities to local counterterrorism initiatives are unreasonable, irresponsible, and may threaten the safety of our homeland.

“The President’s budget also included cuts to the US-VISIT program, and I was disheartened to hear Secretary Napolitano downplay the importance of the exit portion of this crucial national security program and compliance with Congressional mandates for an exit system. As the former Chairwoman of the Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee, I have presided over multiple hearings regarding the US-VISIT exit program and I believe US-VISIT is crucial to ensuring those who enter our country, on a temporary visa, leave it as well. ”

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 47th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and parts of Fullerton in Orange County. She serves as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and a senior member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Rep. Sanchez is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee.

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