Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Louis Greenwald

GREENWALD: CHRISTIE APPEARANCE TO BE RESCHEDULED
Budget Chairman Says Homeland Security Panel to Take Testimony
From Christie & Rabner

(TRENTON) - Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Louis D. Greenwald today announced that U.S. Attorney Chris Christie will be unable to testify at tomorrow's committee hearing due to the funeral of the FBI agent who was killed at a bank robbery stakeout in Readington last week.

In a letter to Christie, Greenwald (D-Camden) extended his condolences over the fallen FBI agent and invited Christie to provide his anticipated testimony on homeland security issues before the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee.

Greenwald said Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D-Hudson), who chairs the homeland security panel, has agreed to take testimony from Christie and Attorney General Stuart Rabner on matters of homeland security and street gangs.

Chairman Greenwald said his committee will continue with its original schedule for tomorrow: A 10 a.m. hearing with officials from the Department of Health and Senior Services and a 2 p.m. hearing with officials from the Department of Law and Public Safety.

--A copy of Chairman Greenwald's letter to U.S. Attorney Chris Christie follows--

April 11, 2007

The Honorable Christopher J. Christie
US Attorney's Office
970 Broad Street
Room 700
Newark, NJ  07102

Dear Mr. Christie:

I was disappointed to learn this morning that you would not be able to attend the Assembly Budget Committee's hearing on the Department of Law and Public Safety's recommended FY 2008 budget.  I was looking forward to your presentation with Attorney General Rabner regarding joint State/federal efforts on homeland security and gang prevention activities. 

The fatal shooting of FBI Agent Barry Lee Bush was a tragedy and I am certain that the entire Committee is keeping his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers.

Although we will be reviewing Attorney General Rabner's proposed budget for the Department of Law and Public Safety tomorrow as well as the budget for the Department of Health and Senior Services, I am pleased to make you aware that Assemblywoman Joan Quigley, Chairwoman of the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee, has graciously offered to provide a similar forum for you and Attorney General Rabner to discuss your efforts on homeland security and gang prevention.

I am sure that your attendance at Agent's Bush funeral will add the strength and support of your office to his family and friends. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald
Chairman, Assembly Budget Committee