Hearing of the Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee - Ensuring the Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Transparency of Homeland Security Grants (Part II): Stakeholder Perspectives

Statement

This hearing is the second in a series considering homeland security grants. Last month, the Subcommittee received testimony from Federal witnesses on the management and administration of these grants. Today we will receive vital information from the stakeholders who rely on these grants to enhance their security operations.

I am pleased that we have participation from such a broad range of stakeholders today. Your input is invaluable to this Subcommittee as we consider proposals for grant reform.

In particular, I'd like to hear your perspectives on the National Preparedness Grant Program proposal. I must say that I find it particularly troubling that more than two months after the President's budget was released that this Subcommittee has still not received sufficient detail on this proposal, which is why it is so important that we hear from you today.

How has FEMA engaged with you since the proposal has been released to listen to and include your perspectives on this proposal? What portions of the proposal do you like? What portions are cause for concern? Are there reforms that could be made to the existing programs that could enhance them and make them more efficient?

I'm also interested in your perspectives on the THIRA guidance that was recently released by FEMA. Does the guidance provide you with the information and tools you need to conduct this assessment and obtain a true understanding of the threats impacting your areas and infrastructure?

Finally, Fiscal Year 2012 has seen many changes in the homeland security grant programs, including a reduction in the period of performance. I'm interested in hearing about how you believe this reduction and other changes will impact your programs. Will it, as FEMA suggests, assist you in your effort to more expeditiously expend grant funds?

Once again, I greatly appreciate your participation today. I look forward to your thoughts on these and other issues of concern related to grants.

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