U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Talent has launched a proposal to help protect the country’s homeland security. The initiative would increase funding and training for the country’s first responders, improve readiness for potential bio-terrorism attacks, enhance human intelligence capabilities, protect critical infrastructure and develop a missile defense shield. The former St. Louis area Congressman also supports President Bush’s plan to create a Department of Homeland Security. Talent is challenging incumbent Senator Jean Carnahan for her U.S. Senate seat.