Torres Warns of Local Impact of DHS Shutdown

Press Release

Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona), a member of the Homeland Security Committee, warned that a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could directly disrupt millions of dollars in federal public safety grants in the state of California, including $1.6 million in Ontario and surrounding areas alone.

"While some are treating a possible shutdown of DHS as a political game, we are putting our national security and the safety of our local communities at risk," said Torres. "It is time to bring this disappointing episode to a close and pass a clean DHS funding bill now -- without any policy riders."

Unless Congress acts within the next three days, DHS, which administers federal fire service grants, would be forced to shut down and their ability to distribute these crucial funds to localities could be disrupted. The City of Ontario Fire Department currently has $1.6 million in award funds for personal protective equipment that have not yet been disbursed. The fire departments of Montclair, Upland, and Rancho Cucamonga, who are working closely with the Ontario Fire Department with this grant, would also benefit from these funds and could be impacted by a shutdown.

"Having spent much of my career in public safety, I know how important it is to be able to plan, prepare, and maintain the morale of those on the front lines," Torres continued. "These grants help our communities meet critical emergency management needs and make sure our first responders have the equipment they need to keep us and themselves safe. Putting these funds at risk is reckless. It's time to stop playing political games and bring a clean funding bill for a vote."

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