Napolitano requested $57 billion for 2012, a slight increase over the $56.3 billion DHS budget request for the current fiscal year. In testimony before U.S. Senate and House committees last week, the DHS secretary said demands on the agency have never been greater.
“The threats we face pose new challenges that require an innovative and focused response,” she said. “Today's threat picture features an adversary who evolves and adapts quickly and who is determined to strike us here at home — from the aviation system and the global supply chain to surface transportation systems, critical infrastructure and cyber-networks.”
Napolitano’s 2012 budget proposal includes significant funding for cyber-security initiatives, including:
- $233.6 million for development of the Einstein 3 program designed to prevent infiltration of government information systems;
- $40.9 million for network assessments in federal agencies;
- $24.5 million for cyber-security education and training;
- $1.3 million to help DHS work with the Department of Defense and National Security Agency; and
- $18 million for research and development in the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative.
The 2012 fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
