Horsford Calls for Hearing on Loss of Anti-Terror Program Funding

Statement

Recently, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a serious cut in resources for Las Vegas anti-terror programs. In response to this loss of funding, Representative Steven Horsford (NV-4) has requested that the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications hold a hearing to evaluate decisions affecting resources for anti-terror programs.

"I remain deeply concerned about the loss of Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) funding, and I have requested that hearings be held on this issue. Under the formula currently being used by the Department of Homeland Security, critical anti-terror programs for major tourist destinations around the county are being defunded, including Las Vegas. This is not an issue of budget cuts; it's an issue of prioritization.

"I will work with Mayor Goodman, Sheriff Gillespie, our entire delegation, and all stakeholders to ensure our community receives the resources it needs to be safe and secure.

"During a recent House Homeland Security Committee hearing, I asked Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis about the value of the UASI program in responding to the tragic events of the Boston Marathon. Commissioner Davis told the committee that if it were not for UASI "there would have been more people who would have died in these attacks. It is critical that we maintain that funding to urban areas.'

"Simply put: this funding is critical, and I am not going to let Las Vegas lose these resources without a fight."

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