Demings, Murphy, Soto Announce $3.8 Million in Anti-Terrorism Funding

Press Release

Today Reps. Demings, Murphy, and Soto announced new terror-prevention and preparedness grant funding for Orlando under the Department of Homeland Security's Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).

This year's award will total $3.8 million. Orlando's inclusion in the program was restored in 2018 after a multi-year drought, following strong advocacy by Central Florida's congressional delegation--Reps. Demings, Murphy, and Soto.

Rep. Demings is the Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, which oversees the UASI program.

Said Rep. Demings, "The safety and security of every person who lives, works, and travels in Central Florida will always be my top priority. I am once again pleased to announce that Orlando will be a top national recipient of the UASI national security grant, which will train first responders and help our community prevent, prepare and respond to potential incidents.

"I am also glad to see that this year's national priority areas include domestic violent extremism for the first time, which the FBI and other agencies have identified as our top domestic security challenge."

"This program has been one of my top priorities since arriving in Congress and joining the Homeland Security Committee. The best way to ensure success is to prepare, and as a former law enforcement officer I have seen firsthand how important these federal dollars are to keeping all of us safe. I am grateful to see Orlando's continued inclusion in this important program and will continue to advocate for our inclusion in years to come.

Said Rep. Murphy, "For many years, Orlando received no funding from the federal government to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism. I'm proud of the work my colleagues and I have done to ensure that our city annually receives federal dollars to protect our community. We will keep fighting to bring home the resources local law enforcement and non-profit organizations need to keep Central Floridians safe." Rep. Murphy is a former national security specialist at the Pentagon and a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Said Rep. Soto, "Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of Central Floridians. As our community continues to grow, we are extremely grateful to receive this increased funding that will aid us in enhancing our law enforcement's preparedness and prevention methods. The people of Orlando have felt firsthand the impact of extreme tragedies perpetrated by those seeking to create panic and fear, and we are certain this funding will help eliminate such instances wherever possible."

Source