Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Priorities

President Bush’s fiscal year 2008 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) represents $46.4 billion in funding, which is an increase of 8 percent over the FY 2007 level – excluding funds provided in emergency supplemental funding. The request targets five areas that are essential to preserving freedom and privacy, meeting future challenges, and fulfilling our mission of securing America.

Budget Priorities

Protecting the Nation from Dangerous People

Protecting our nation from dangerous people continues by strengthening border security; developing fraud resistant identification and biometric tools; creating an interoperable architecture for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), and Real ID requirements; and achieving full database interoperability between DHS, the FBI, and the Department of State. Read More.

Protecting the Nation from Dangerous Goods

We are aggressively working to improve maritime cargo security, including enhancing domestic and overseas container scanning. In addition, the Department is dedicating funding to improve technology and reduce costs to the BioWatch program, a key element in its comprehensive strategy for countering terrorism. Read More.

Protecting the Nation's Critical Infrastructure

Central to the Department’s mission is supporting effective critical infrastructure security investments at the federal, State, and local levels. The President’s Budget requests funding for initiatives that continue to support strengthening national chemical plant security; protecting high risk rail shipments; and cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships with industry owners and operators. Read More.

Building a Nimble and Effective Emergency Response System and Culture of Preparedness

Remaining in a state of readiness is crucial to the Department’s ability to deter and respond to acts of terror or other disasters. The FY 2008 funding requests will strengthen the department’s ability to build an effective emergency response system and culture of preparedness. Read More.