Homeland Security: Slight boost sought

Available details of President Barack Obama’s proposed government spending for the 2010 budget year that begins on Oct. 1. A more extensive budget outline is expected in April. In most cases, the figures are for discretionary spending and do not include mandatory entitlement programs like Social Security. The percentage change is based on what Obama wants to spend next year compared with what he anticipates the government will spend in 2009 once Congress completes appropriations for this year. Agency: Homeland Security 2010 proposal: $42.7 billion Change from 2009 estimate: 1.2 percent increase Highlights: Air travelers likely would have to pay more in three years to have their shoes inspected at airports under the Obama administration spending proposal. Starting in 2012, the airlines would cover most of the costs of passenger and baggage screening through increased fees, according to Obama’s 2010 budget. These fees are generally passed on to travelers by the airlines. Airlines have opposed these fees, arguing that airport security is a government responsibility. Obama’s proposal would bolster transportation security, add 2,000 more Border Patrol agents, spend more on cyber security and send money to state and local governments for intelligence analysts. It would also spend $1.4 billion on deporting criminals who are in the country illegally — something Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has called a top immigration enforcement priority. Obama also would add 15 more of the transportation security teams that are used at high-security events like the Super Bowl. And his budget would pay for another 55 specialized bomb detection officers at the nation’s airports. Obama’s homeland security budget would eliminate a maritime navigation system that President George Bush wanted to enhance. And it would cut homeland security spending on sensors to detect biological agents by 75 percent.