News Release

Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo says Idahoans and all Americans win with today’s decision to further scrutinize who will operate security at U.S. port accompanied by a vote to improve border security provisions in next year’s budget. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Budget Committee that approved border improvements today as part of the Fiscal Year 2007 budget resolution, noted the Congress listened to constituents who wanted the port security decision delayed and reviewed:

“Americans expressed strong concerns with the sale and this afternoon’s announcement by DPW helps put to rest the security concerns they raised,” Crapo said. “As I have taken part in the hearings the Banking Committee has had on this matter in recent weeks, it has become clear that more openness is needed in our port security. DPW’s decision to hand over management of the ports to a U.S.-owned company will quiet many fears expressed, but Congress should still revise the approval process to make it more transparent so that this type of circumstance does not result again.

“And in further national security improvements, the Budget Committee today made agreements to boost border security by $4 billion above the nearly $8 billion proposed by the President. The budget agreement will add 1,500 new border security guards and many improvements in security communications, infrastructure, and other improvements along our borders. In all, this is a good day regarding Congressional response and security for all Americans.”