The proposed budget is approximately 6 percent more than was set aside for the department in the current fiscal year, according to statement from DHS.

Among the specifics of the budget plan, which went to Congress this week, is $93 million for the agency's National Cyber Security Division to protect the nation against cyberattacks; $29 million more to upgrade FEMA's IT support services; and an additional $5 million to fund FEMA's Emergency Alert System (EAS) upgrade. The EAS, which coordinates government communications during an emergency, is looking to use the extra money to improve system coverage, reliability, survivability and security by providing two-way EAS satellite links for federal, state and U.S. territory emergency operations centers.

The Bush administration also wants an increase of $3 million for the Office of the Chief Medical Officer to ensure that the nation's critical infrastructure is medically prepared for catastrophic events, according to DHS.

In addition, the proposed budget calls for $100 million in border security technology to boost electronic surveillance and agency response as part of the Secure Border Initiative; $139 million for a Container Security Initiative to pre-screen inbound cargo at more than 40 foreign ports; and $55 million for the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism to review and enhance the security of organizations throughout the cargo supply-chain.

The DHS budget includes $135 million to expand an employment verification pilot program, currently a voluntary effort that allows employers to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired workers. The budget also includes $112 million to automate the processing of immigration applications.