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NEWS RELEASE
Posted: April 6, 2003
MINNER:
DEMOCRATS' RADIO RESPONSE
DOVER -- Governor Ruth Ann
Minner delivered the nationwide weekly radio address on behalf of
Democrats Saturday, following the President’s weekly radio address.
The following is the text of her address:
“Good morning. This is
Governor Ruth Ann Minner of Delaware.
“This week, with our troops
fighting abroad and our nation on high alert here at home, the
Congress considered President Bush’s request to provide emergency
funding for our military to complete its mission in Iraq, along with
additional resources for homeland security and humanitarian aid.
“Congressional Democrats and
Republicans quickly agreed to provide our brave men and women in
Iraq with the resources they need to fight the war. Our troops are
risking their lives for our security and well-being. They deserve
the means to finish the job and return to their families. We wish
them Godspeed.
“Here at home, Secretary
Ridge, the President’s head of the Homeland Security Department,
tells us there is high risk of another terrorist attack. We don’t
know when or where the next attack will come. But we do know who
will protect us when it does: our police, firefighters, public
health and emergency medical personnel. They are our neighbors, our
family, our friends, and, like our troops, they are ready to risk
their lives for us. They are our ‘hometown’ security.
“Last week, a bipartisan
group of governors from across the country asked that Congress
provide funding for fire, police and EMS workers when it considered
the supplemental appropriations for the military action in Iraq.
“This week during the course
of its consideration, Congress debated how much funding should be
provided for homeland security and where it should go. There were
speeches and number crunching. There was lobbying by many
interests.
“Unfortunately, all of that
did not produce sufficient resources for the police, fire, health
and medical personnel in our states who are training to meet new
threats, learning to use sophisticated new equipment and preparing
for the unthinkable.
“More funding from the
federal government would’ve put more police and more firefighters on
our streets and better communication technology in their hands.
But, Republicans in Congress -- following the President’s lead --
declined to support what governors considered the necessary level of
resources.
“In the coming months, as
Washington pledges to provide our troops with the supplies they need
to win the war, I hope the President and the Republicans in Congress
will revisit this decision and do more to provide for our hometown
security.
“I hope they will supply the
resources needed to improve the border and coastline security, to
protect airports, railroads, ports, nuclear plants and mass transit
systems, and to enhance our defenses against bioterrorism and
cyberterrorism.
“The National Homeland
Security Strategy is built upon the well-prepared men and women who
are our hometown security and the costs should be shared by the
nation.
“Whether in the Middle East
or in America, the brave and selfless individuals who have pledged
to protect us deserve our support. They should know that we are
proud of their sacrifices, and that they are ever in our prayers.
“Thank you and God bless
America.”
You can listen to the
Governor’s address on the Governor’s website at
http://www.state.de.us/governor/audio/radio_address.mp3
or by calling (302) 744-4000.
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