Approval of Bill by Congresswoman Laura Richardson Giving Flexibility to Local First Responders in Urban Area and State Homeland Security Grants

Press Release

Today the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications favorably reported H.R. 1129, the "Homeland Security Grant Management Improvement Act," a bill sponsored by Congresswoman Laura Richardson, the Subcommittee's Ranking Member. The Subcommittee's action clears the way for further action by the full Homeland Security Committee and then its subsequent consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bill, which was approved without opposition, amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to give recipients of grants under the Urban Area Security Initiative or the State Homeland Security Grant Program the discretion to make the best use of their grant funds. Prior to this bill, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could place specific restrictions and percentages on how and where the grant money should be spent based on pre-determined formulas.

"As someone who previously served in local government as a member of the Long Beach City Council, I was motivated to provide this increased flexibility because I understand the value of local officials using their superior knowledge of local conditions to determine the most effective use of limited funding resources," said Congresswoman Richardson.

Congresswoman Richardson's legislation was one of three pieces of legislation reported favorably by the Subcommittee and the only bill sponsored by a Democratic Member. This was the first markup during the 112th Congress of the Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications Subcommittee.
"I am proud to continue my dedicated service to my constituents and the country, and, as a Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, vow to continue my efforts to ensure the safety of American citizens at home and abroad," said Congresswoman Richardson.

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