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Schumer Urges Bush To Make Homeland Security Grants A Priority For Upcoming Budget

Date: Dec. 5, 2006
Issues: National Security Transportation Infrastructure


Schumer Urges Bush To Make Homeland Security Grants A Priority For Upcoming Budget

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to make funding for Homeland Security Grants, including security funding for vulnerable high threat areas, ports, and mass transit system, a priority in the upcoming FY2008 Budget. In a personal letter to the President, Schumer underscored the importance that these programs to improve port security, rail/mast transit, buffer zone protection are essential for communities who are at risk. Schumer also plans to introduce legislation in the 110th Congress to address how grants are distributed.

"This funding is essential to keeping our nation safe," said Schumer. "New York and other areas clearly faced with potential threats cannot afford to be sacrificed in this year's budget. From September 11, to recent attacks in Madrid, London, and India, there have been far too many wake up calls to close gaping holes in our nation's security."

States and localities depend on a variety of DHS programs to ensure that their communities are safe. The State Homeland Security Grants Program (SHSGP), the Law Enforcement Terrorist Prevention Program (LETPP), the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), Assistance to Firefighters Program, and the Targeted Infrastructure Protection Programs—programs that provide funding for port security, rail/mass transit, buffer zone protection, intercity bus and trucking—are all included in the DHS budget. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security cut high threat grant funding for New York City by 40 percent, with Buffalo receiving a 48 percent cut.

In a personal letter to President Bush, Schumer wrote, "Without appropriate funding levels in the President's budget, states and localities will face funding shortages that could leave our cities and our citizens at risk. I ask you to work with the Department of Homeland Security and Congress in the FY08 budget cycle to ensure that communities who have been made a target in the past by terrorists are given every necessary resource to respond and recover."

http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=266564&&year=2006&

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