Congresswoman Laura Richardson Releases Statement Concerning The Proposed Cuts To First Responder Funding In The President's Budget

Statement

Congresswoman Laura Richardson, who serves as the chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response, released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama's proposed budget cuts:
"I support the President's attempts to streamline the homeland security grant application process, which has become overly burdensome for state and local governments, and to consider a deficit freeze to all departments, including defense. However, I am concerned about the budget's proposed reduction in grants and training programs for our first responders, at a time when we are asking more of them, not less.

"I am particularly concerned to see that assistance to firefighters has been cut by $200 million. In light of aging fire facilities, lacking gender appropriate rooms, changing advanced technology and ever increasing incidents of floods, fires and more, now is not the time to cut vital programs and services that directly save lives. Any cuts to first responders at this time would be short-sighted

"As a representative of an area which contains critical national infrastructure, I know that the ability to protect the well-being of people and businesses during emergencies should be the primary concern. If we can defend abroad, we should be able to protect at home as well. I will work closely with my colleagues, discuss with House leadership and advise the Obama administration of my efforts to make certain that our state and local partners are getting the support they need to keep our nation prepared."

Congresswoman Richardson is a Democrat from California's 37th Congressional District. She is a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security. Her district includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook and Signal Hill.

Source