Van Hollen Statement On The Homeland Security Appropriations Act Of 2010

Press Release

I stand in support of HR 2892, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010. This conference report represents Congress' commitment to partnering with State and local authorities to meet the homeland security challenges of the nation.

State and local emergency managers and first responders are the country's front line defense in times of crisis. Whenever ordinary Americans find themselves in harm's way, State and local authorities are often first on the scene. Not only does the bill provide almost $4 billion for grants to assist State and local governments with emergency planning and equipment, the bill provides an additional $3.9 billion in grants for high-risk urban areas like the National Capital Region for mass transit security, and fire and rescue programs. This conference report recognizes State and local governments as full and equal partners in the effort to protect American citizens by helping ensure that they have the tools they need to get the job done.

The bill also provides important support for key elements of the domestic and international transportation, maritime, and cyber security defenses of the country. The bill contains funding to update and maintain airport baggage handling and electronic cargo inspection systems in the nation's air and sea ports; the bill helps protect Americans and American ships abroad with funding for U.S. Coast Guard operations; and the bill includes $397 million in funding for cyber security efforts to protect the nation's cyber infrastructure against unauthorized access.

Americans turn to first responders and emergency managers for help in a crisis. This bill helps ensure that the necessary resources are there when they are needed. I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of the 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

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