Adequate Funding For Defense (NAPSA)—Since September 11, 2001, U.S. and coalition forces have dismantled the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and routed many Al-Qaeda operatives who sought sanctuary there. An active defense of the American homeland has also begun, with combat air patrols protecting America’s —— cities in Operation ‘ Noble Eagle. Still, Mi: thousandsof terrorists remain at large, planning attacks against U.S. citizens and interests at home and abroad. The administration and Congress have recognized the urgency of the situation. Last November, President Bush signed into law The Homeland Security Act of 2002, establishing a cabinet-level department with a mandateto protect the American people. He has proposed a budget of $88 billion for the department. In January of 20038, the House Appropriations Committee approved an additional $125 million in start-up costs. Money has also been approved to continue the offensive against terrorists. The FY 2003 defense appropriations bill provided $355.1 billion for the Department of Defense, an increase of $37.5 billion over FY 2002 levels. The bill recognized the critical role that airpower plays on the modern battlefield, allocating full funding for 23 F/A-22 fighters, $131 million for the procurement of 22 Predator UAVs, $129 million for three Global Hawk UAVs and $3.3 billion for 15 C-17 transports. These efforts are to be praised, but more needs to be done. Homeland security is still underfunded—and Congress has yet to act on a $38.5 billion package to assist “first responders” to terrorist attacks at the locallevel. Americans should not have to live under the constant threat of terrorism. The United States must pursue and sustain the war on terrorism until the networks responsible for exporting it are destroyed. Homeland defense is also an urgent priority, and should be treated as such in the federal budget for FY 2004. John J. Politi is the Chairman of the Board of the Air Force Association. For more information, visit the Air Force Association’s Website at www.afa.org or write to the Air Force Association, attn: Policy and Communications, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209-1198.
