Kansas Common Sense: Hearing Examines DHS Budget, NBAF

Statement

On Thursday, I participated in an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the President's 2013 budget request for the Homeland Security Department. I took this opportunity to again speak to my colleagues on the Committee and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano about the importance of moving forward with National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Kansas in order to safeguard our country from the devastation caused by foreign animal disease outbreaks.

While Administration officials continue to vocally support building NBAF in Kansas, I am concerned that the 2013 budget request fails to advance NBAF. During the hearing, I conveyed the importance of DHS continuing the partnership with the state of Kansas by taking steps such as transferring the NBAF land and constructing NBAF's utility plant so that the lab's construction remains on schedule and the research protecting our economy can begin as soon as possible. As the Senate Appropriations Committee considers the DHS budget in the coming months, I will strongly support this national security priority.

Source