Appropriations Committee releases FY 2017 funding bill

The House Appropriations Committee released its proposed FY 2017 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill on Wednesday.

The bill targets critical programs such as aviation security, border and immigration enforcement, customs activities, protections against cyberterrorism, natural disaster response, and efforts to stop the smuggling of drugs and individuals into the United States.

“Now, more than ever, we need to remain vigilant in the protection of our homeland. New threats to our people and way of life emerge every day, and the difficult challenges along our borders continue,” U.S. Rep. Hal Rodgers (R-KY), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said. “This legislation makes responsible investments in the programs that keep Americans and communities safe, that empower law enforcement officers to enforce our laws, and that enable first responders to react effectively when either man-made or natural disasters strike.”

The bill directs $41.4 billion in discretionary funding for DHS, an increase of $100 million over the previous year. The bill also includes $7.3 billion for disaster relief and emergency response activities through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additionally, the bill contains $11.2 billion for Customs and Border Protection, $2.1 billion for domestic and international investigations programs, $3.2 billion for detention and removal programs, and $7.8 billion for the Transportation Safety Administration.