United Nations Tax Equalization Refund Act of 2011

Floor Speech

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Ms. CLARKE of New York. Madam Speaker, as a New Yorker and a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise in strong opposition to this misguided, ill-advised legislation which would limit the New York Police Department's ability to protect American citizens in the Nation's most at-risk city.

According to the State Department, up to $100 million of the $179 million that the other side is seeking to cut from the U.N. Tax Equalization Fund has been reprogrammed to help enhance security around the U.N. complex in New York City.

As the only member of the Committee of Homeland Security from New York City, I know firsthand the vital role that the NYPD plays in protecting not only U.N. workers but city residents and millions of tourists that visit each year. I have a particular concern to ensure that the NYPD is adequately funded to meet the challenges of defending the U.N. and New York City.

With the broad array of threats that New York City faces, it is unfathomable that we would consider hindering the NYPD's ability to protect one of the most important areas of

the city. The NYPD has protected visiting dignities and the city during the United Nations General Assembly for decades, and we must support our public safety officials and invest in the training and equipment to prevent and respond to emergencies. We should not take away the resources needed for the NYPD to protect citizens, and prevent and mitigate terrorist threats.

As we near the 10th anniversary of Ð9/11, we are reminded that New York City has been the target of multiple significant terrorist plots. United Nations facilities located around the globe have been targeted by terrorists. A vote for this legislation is a vote to expose New York to extreme risk and recklessness at best.

I urge my colleagues to vote against this misguided and potentially harmful legislation.

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