Homeland Security

DATE=MARCH 2, 2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH/HOMELAND SECURITY (L-O)

NUMBER=2-313720

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says terrorists still threaten America, but the nation is better prepared to repel attacks, thanks to the Department of Homeland Security. From the White House, V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush spoke on the one-year anniversary of the biggest government reorganization since the Second World War.

TEXT: President Bush initially opposed the creation of the new department, linking the U-S Coast Guard with the Secret Service, immigration, and border guards. He wanted greater authority to hire and fire workers outside what would become another Washington bureaucracy.

But one-year later, Mr. Bush says, the Department of Homeland Security has made the nation safer, following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.

/// BUSH ACT ///

Life in America, in many ways, has returned to normal. And that is positive. It means that we are doing our jobs. But life will really never return to normal, so long as there is an enemy that lurks in the shadows, that aims to destroy and kill. Our enemies are wounded, but they are not broken. They still have desires to strike America again. That is the reality with which we live.

/// END ACT ///

In a ceremony marking the department's first anniversary, Mr. Bush thanked employees for making air travel safer, and strengthening the security of U-S borders and key installations. He said the department has taken steps to protect Americans from dangerous weapons and prepare first responders for any emergency.

Fighting terrorism is a big part of the president's re-election campaign. He told department employees that the United States will stay on the offensive at home and abroad to pursue what he called a clear strategy to protect America and a duty to prepare for any attack that might come.

Some Democrats say the Bush administration has not spent enough money training local fire and rescue crews to respond to terrorist attacks.

President Bush says he has tripled federal funding for homeland security since 2001. (SIGNED)

NEB/SKS/TW/RAE