Reps. Kowall, Moss, Walsh, Rogers, Marleau, Haines, Meltzer, Denby, Meekhof, Opsommer, Mayes, Bolger, Caul, Crawford, Hansen, Haveman, Horn, Rick Jones, Kurtz, Leland, Lori, Lund, McMillin, Proos, Schuitmaker and Tyler offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 199.

            A resolution to urge the Governor to determine the costs associated with the trial of the suspect in the Christmas Day bombing attempt and to urge the United States Attorney General to assure that all ancillary costs be paid by the federal government and not the city of Detroit or the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The decision by the administration to deal with the Christmas Day bombing attempt on Northwest Airlines flight 253 in a civilian court has potentially significant economic ramifications for the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan. As was clear in the initial proceedings at Detroit's federal courthouse, which took all of 3 minutes but which generated considerable public attention, security and other costs may end up taking a major toll on a community already in dire financial straits; and

            Whereas, Dealing with the accused bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, as a common criminal rather than the terrorist his alleged actions would seem to reflect, may end up costing the area far more than it can afford. Projections by New York's Mayor Bloomberg that the trials of the 9-11 suspects will costs hundreds of millions of dollars demonstrate the scope of the problem if a prolonged trial in Detroit takes place; and

            Whereas, By trying the so-called underwear bomber in a civilian court, a beleaguered city and state are effectively being penalized, both in costs and in the reduced safety resources that may be available for citizens, visitors, and businesses elsewhere. Clearly, this national security situation is the proper responsibility of the U. S. Justice Department that has decided not to try the case in a military court; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Governor to determine the costs associated with the trial of the suspect in the Christmas Day bombing attempt and we urge the United States Attorney General to assure that all ancillary costs be paid by the federal government and not the city of Detroit or the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the office of the Governor and to the office of the United States Attorney General.