Move to Add More Federal Responder Funding Defeated

The U.S. Senate rejected an amendment to the Homeland Security Appropriations bill that would have provided an additional $729.5 million for the fire service.

The amendment, which was introduced by Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), was defeated 50-43 Tuesday evening. The amendment would have needed a 60 percent (super) majority to pass the Senate.

Byrd's staff could not immediately be reached for comment.

His legislation would have added a total of $1.75 billion to the $28.5 billion under Senate consideration in the Fiscal Year 2004 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

The $729.5 million earmarked for the fire service would have added: