Michael Chertoff, Secretary United States Department of Homeland Security, Before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Homeland Security Committee on Appropriations

Release Date: February 8, 2007

Mr. Chairman, Congressman Rogers, and Members of the Subcommittee:

As this is my first opportunity to appear before the 110th Congress, let me start by saying that I look forward to working with this Subcommittee in not only securing the appropriate resources, but making sure that we use them in the most effective and efficient manner to protect the homeland and the American people. While we have had many successes, there are numerous challenges that still remain. I am here today to ask for your partnership and support as we face these challenges. We may not see eye to eye on all issues, but we certainly agree that our interests are best served when we work together to achieve our common goal of securing this great Nation.

I am pleased to appear before the Subcommittee today to highlight some of our key accomplishments of the last year and present President Bush's FY 2008 budget for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Five years after September 11, 2001, DHS is more dedicated than ever to our vision and accomplishing our mission. September 11, 2001, will forever be etched in our souls as we remember the lives lost, the terror felt, the sacrifices made, and the courage shown. As a result of the deliberate and malicious acts of our enemies that occurred on that day, the Department was formed and charged with the significant responsibility of securing America. As we approach our fourth anniversary on March 1, 2007, we recognize that the Department has endured challenges, yet bravely stood in the face of our Nation's enemies, diligently building systems to secure our homeland with urgency, flexibility and resolve.

We must focus on the greatest risks and be flexible to changing threats, disciplined in our use of resources, and fully committed to building a Department that will meet future challenges, preserve freedom and privacy, and protect the American people. To achieve this, we will place considerable attention over the next two-year period on the following five goals:

We have already made great progress in each of these areas, and with the FY 2008 Budget, we will continue that momentum. Let me highlight some of our key accomplishments along with initiatives and ongoing programs in our FY 2008 budget request.

Overall, the FY 2008 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security represents an eight percent increase over FY 2007, with a total request of $46.4 billion in funding. The Department's FY 2008 gross discretionary budget is $37.7 billion, an increase of eight percent. Gross discretionary funding does not include funding such as Coast Guard's retirement pay accounts and fees paid for immigration benefits. The Department's FY 2008 net discretionary budget is $34.3 billion, which does not include fee collections such as funding for the Federal Protective Service (ICE), aviation security passenger and carrier fees (TSA), credentialing fees (such as TWIC - TSA), and premium collections (National Flood Insurance Fund, FEMA). It should also be noted that the FY 2008 President's Budget request reflects the Notice of Implementation of the Post–Katrina Emergency Reform Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-295) and of Additional Changes Pursuant to Section 872 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, provided to Congress on January 18, 2007.

• Goal 1: Protect our Nation from Dangerous People
• Goal 2: Protect our Nation from Dangerous Goods
• Goal 3: Protect Critical Infrastructure
• Goal 4: Build a Nimble, Effective Emergency Response System and a Culture of Preparedness
• Goal 5: Strengthen and Unify DHS Operations and Management

Conclusion

I am sure you will recognize that with the support of Congress, the Department has had many successes. I have outlined many of them in my testimony today and how they relate to the Department's five goals. We have also learned from our experiences certain things that we could have approached differently to get better results. As we move forward to face the many challenges ahead, those lessons learned will be at the core of our planning and implementation efforts. I am looking forward to working in partnership with the 110th Congress to build on our many accomplishments and focus on getting the desired results.

Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today. I look forward to answering your questions and to working with you on the FY 2008 budget and other issues.

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