WASHINGTON (AP) -- Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman told firefighters Monday that the federal government has not spent enough on top firefighting equipment, training and personnel since the Sept. 11 attacks.
``That's not fair, that's not smart,'' the Democratic presidential candidate said in a speech to the International Association of Firefighters. ``That's not good for the safety of the American people and that must end.''
Aides to Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry say he will lay out a detailed homeland security proposal Tuesday in a speech to the firefighters that will call for a significant funding increase for first responders like police, firefighters and emergency workers.
State and city workers have been pushing for an increase in the $1.3 billion that President Bush proposed for first responders and other local and state aid to fight terrorism.
Lieberman said legislation he is co-sponsoring would provide $7.5 billion over seven years to hire thousands of additional firefighters _ starting with $1 billion next year.
He said the Bush administration's tax cut plans will create huge deficits and leave little for homeland security or to restore economic growth.
