WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the House passed the conference report for the fiscal year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which makes key investments to improve the security of our borders, aviation system, ports, and transit, and provide aid to our first responders. The bill passed by a vote of 307 to 114:

"Every Member of Congress knows that our first responsibility is to keep the American people safe. There is nothing more critical to our future than a strong, effective effort to defend our cities and other high-risk targets, as well as all of our residents.

"The Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report will provide funding to secure our borders, safeguard our ports and airports, and provide our first responders with the tools, training, and equipment they need to protect our families. This bill funds more than 20,000 Border Patrol agents; increases funding to combat violence and smuggling along our Southwest border; and boosts support for improved screening and security measures at our ports and airports.

"I applaud my colleagues for their support of this legislation and for their continued, unyielding commitment to our country's security."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House