King criticizes security cuts he supported in seven-month spending bill

The Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee
said budget cuts to port and transit security that the GOP majority
approved last month are “wrong” and “dangerous.”

“I think that a
number of the cuts Republicans have made in the continuing resolution
are wrong,” Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the
Union.”  They cut port security by two-thirds, they cut transit security
by two-thirds.”

“We cannot afford those cuts, they are too dangerous,” King said.
“And one attack on subway train or one attack in one port will cost us
more money going into the future years than any amount, any small amount
they’re saving.”

King voted in favor of the seven-month spending bill that included
those cuts, and he did not explain his decision to do so on Sunday.

The
secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, has criticized the
proposed budget reductions, and King said he agreed with her.

On the same program, King defended Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio)
against a push from a Tea Party activist, Judson Phillips, for Boehner
to face a primary challenge because he has not insisted on deeper cuts.

“It’s
totally wrong. It’s entirely wrong. John Boehner is an outstanding
speaker,” King said. “I would stand by John Boehner to the end.”