House Passes Matsui Amendment to Increase Homeland Security Funding
Press Release
House Passes Matsui Amendment to Increase Homeland Security Funding
Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-CA) today joined with Representatives Joe Crowley (D-NY), Vito Fossella (R-NY), and Scott Garrett (R-NJ) to pass an amendment to the 2008 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act that provides a $50 million funding increase for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant program. After debate on the floor of the House of Representatives, the Matsui-Crowley-Fossella-Garrett amendment passed by a vote of 244 to 174.
Upon passage of the amendment, Congresswoman Matsui said, "I am proud to be part of this bipartisan amendment. I have long been impressed by local law enforcement officers and first responders in the Sacramento region and throughout the country. When it comes to public safety, federal funds must accompany federal mandates. With this in mind, my colleagues and I offer this an amendment to add $50 million to the UASI grant program."
UASI is designed to fund designated activities in high-threat, high-risk urban areas to prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist attacks and catastrophic events.
Sacramento has benefited greatly from UASI, receiving over $28 million over the previous four years, including $7.3 million last year. Previous funding from this grant was used to construct the Sacramento Regional Homeland Security and Training Center, as well as on gas mask filters, first responder training, and communication equipment upgrades.
Continued Matsui, "This increase in federal dollars will allow at-risk cities across the nation to plan for disasters efficiently and properly. It gives these cities tools to equip themselves with the radios, protective gear, and training that they need. Each day, our first responders and law enforcement officers tackle nearly impossible tasks. This increased funding will help them do their jobs. In the process, it keeps our country safe and secure."
The Matsui-Crowley-Fossella-Garrett amendment will now be added to the 2008 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act (H.R. 2638), which will be voted on later this week.
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