Issue Position: Public Safety & Homeland Security

Issue Position

In Connecticut and across the nation, first responders put their lives on the line on the line each and every day to protect our families, our community and our country. Whether it is police officers, firefighter or EMS who protect our homes and towns, or the men and women of the Coast Guard and Border Patrol Agents who protect our nation on land and sea, these first responders deserve our strong support. I have fought to increase support for these first responders to ensure that they have the resources they need to do their jobs.

Congressman Courtney's Work on Key Public Safety & Homeland Security issues:

Increased Funding for Police Officers. I have worked to increase federal support for police officers through the reauthorization of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program which since its inception has brought more than $100 million in funding for police officers to Connecticut. I have also been a strong supporter of the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) which has provided countless departments throughout Connecticut with funding for additional officers, training and equipment.

Honoring the Service of our Firefighters. As a member of the House Fire Caucus, I have worked to ensure that our firefighters have the support and resources they need. I have helped passed legislation to protect tax abatement for volunteer firefighters who serve our communities each and every day from federal taxation. I have also been a strong supporter of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program that has brought more than $21 million to the Second Congressional district for training, equipment and vehicle acquisition.

Enacting the 9/11 Commission Recommendations. For too long, commonsense and nonpartisan recommendations by the 9/11 Commission to improve our security remained only partially implemented or ignored. That is why I was proud to support the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act in the first hours of the 110th Congress in 2007. That bill, which is now law, included critical provisions such as strengthening first responder grant programs, requiring inspection of all aircraft cargo, and tackling the threat of global nuclear proliferation and securing our nation's airports, transit systems and ports.

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