James Carafano of the Heritage Foundation sets out a list of appropriation priorites to match strategic principles An Appropriator’s Guide to Homeland Security:

• Placing a priority on investments that will create a true national preparedness system–not merely supplementing the needs of state and local governments
• Developing federal capacity to respond to catastrophic terrorism
• Getting the “biggest bang for the buck” by supporting programs that will make the most efficient and effective use of federal dollars
• Watching IT investments closely
• Funding critical human capital programs
• Balancing funding for homeland security tasks with other missions.

Additionally, Congress should refrain from any earmarks that might serve only special interests. When earmarks are necessary to support critical mission areas, Congress should ask DHS to rate proposed earmarks in accordance with the strategic principles outlined here in order to ensure they are both appropriate and necessary.