STATEMENT OF SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS ON PASSAGE OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2004 BUDGET RESOLUTION

"I am pleased that the Senate has approved a budget, which sets forth a blueprint for spending priorities. Having a budget, even an imperfect one, provides the fiscal discipline necessary to control excessive spending. Last year, the Senate failed to pass a budget, and the result was haphazard and chaotic spending.

"The budget includes a resolution I authored that allows Congress to provide up to $30 billion in fiscal aid to the states. This potentially means Maine would receive $190 million in desperately needed funds to help close its budget gap. I am delighted that the conferees retained this provision, the first step toward providing this assistance to the states.

"I am also pleased that the budget provides for $41 billion in homeland security funding, including $3.5 billion for first responders. I will continue to work with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and my colleagues to ensure that these funds reach those on the front lines working to secure our communities.

"The budget also sets aside as much as $550 billion for an economic growth package. Once the war is over, we will be better able to assess its cost as well as the condition of our economy. The budget resolution will give us the flexibility to make the right decision on the size and contents of a economic stimulus package in the months ahead."