U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) will receive a nearly 4.8% budget increase -- one of the highest in government -- under President Bush's proposed Fiscal Year 2006 budget. Specifically, the FY 2006 budget for CBP totals $6.7 billion, including $5.6 billion in appropriated resources and $1.1 billion in funding derived from user fees.
Today global terrorism is a real threat that allows no room for error. The President's budget, and the funding for technology, reflects the imperative of securing our border if we are to protect America against that threat,” stated CBP Commissioner Robert Bonner in a press release.
CBP is the world’s largest border agency and America’s frontline defense in the war on terror. Within the Department of Homeland Security, CBP is the agency responsible for securing our nation’s borders, while facilitating global trade. The FY 2006 budget allows CBP to fulfill its priority mission of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S., while simultaneously facilitating the flow of people and trade across our borders.
The FY 2006 budget also provides the necessary resources to ensure that CBP continues to fulfill its traditional missions that include: combating the flow of illegal drugs and other contraband, protecting our agricultural and economic interests from harmful pests and diseases, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. trade laws.
A few highlights of CBP's $6.7 billion FY 2006 budget include:
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Detection Technology
A critical part of CBP’s strategy to address the threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism is to screen all trucks, trains, cars, sea containers, airfreight, and mailbags with advanced radiation detection technology prior to release. As of January this year, a total of 403 RPMs have been deployed at our northern and southern border entry points. Before 9/11 there were none.
America’s Shield Initiative (ASI)
ASI is an integrated, national web of border security with centralized command designed to gain greater control of our borders with Canada and Mexico.
According to CBP, ASI will not only dramatically improve our electronic surveillance capabilities along the southern and northern borders, but it will significantly strengthen our ability to detect, intercept, and secure the borders against illegal aliens, potential terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, illegal drugs and other contraband.
Additional Border Patrol Staffing
Long Range Radar
Long-range radar technology is used to detect and intercept aircraft attempting to avoid detection while entering the United States. CBP and Department of Defense will support FAA costs for operating and maintaining these systems.
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
Related Books
"The Myth of Homeland Security," by Marcus J. Ranum
"Defending the Homeland"
The United States government is reorganizing to increase domestic security. How will these changes impact the American police?
Department of Homeland Security Handbook
Guide to Homeland Security Careers
