Lieberman criticizes Bush over first-responder funding

02/28/2007

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Connecticut, most known for his avid support of President Bush's policy in Iraq, sharply criticized the Bush administration's proposals to cut funds for first-responders Wednesday, likening it to cutting funding for troops in a war.

"For four years running now, this administration has proposed cuts for first responders," Lieberman said. "For three years, even though Congress has restored some of those proposed cuts, first responder funding has decreased."

"This is effectively like under funding or cutting support for front line troops for a war," he added.

Lieberman, the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, along with Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, introduced a bill aiming to further implement several of the 9/11 committee's recommendations, specifically the funding for domestic first responders.