Lawmakers differ on DHS data center funding

Members of the House and Senate differ on how much money to give the Homeland Security Department in fiscal 2010 for its program to consolidate DHS’ many legacy data centers into two secure facilities.

The Senate Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security Subcommittee approved a funding measure on June 17 that would provide significant funding for the consolidation program.

Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee approved a bill June 12 to fund DHS in fiscal 2010 that would provide only $20 million of the $200 million President Barack Obama requested for the effort. House appropriators cited a recent DHS inspector general report that found a number of problems and vulnerabilities with the program as the reason for not meeting the request.

Although Senate and House versions differed on the consolidation provision as of late last week, the legislation is subject to change as the bills make their way through the legislative process and will be updated regularly at FCW.com.