Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act

FASTER AND SMARTER FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT -- (House of Representatives - May 12, 2005)

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Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my support for H.R. 1544, the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act, and to reiterate the importance of the Urban Area Security Initiative, UASI.
Since the establishment of the UASI program, communities that the Department of Homeland Security has designated as being subject to a high threat of terrorist attack have received the funding to develop coordinated, integrated plans that leverage the capabilities of the cities and towns within the UASI region that are needed to respond effectively in the event of a terrorist attack.

During committee consideration of this legislation, I prepared an amendment to amend the bill to include within the ``region'' definition any geographic area that has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security as a high-threat urban area as part of the Department's UASI program. My amendment was intended to permit these UASI regions to continue their important plans and strategies to prevent, prepare for, and respond to terrorist attacks. I noted that the UASI program is consistent with the purpose of H.R. 1544--namely that resources should be set aside for communities faced with unique threats and vulnerabilities, such as extensive critical infrastructure and large populations, which make them tempting targets for terrorists.

After receiving assurances from the chairman that he shares my interest in refining the legislation's definition of region, I withdrew my amendment. I understand that the chairman has discussed this important issue with the States and the UASI jurisdictions, and I appreciate the chairman's pledge to work with me, the UASI jurisdictions, and the States to address the UASI designation issue as this legislation moves forward.

It is my hope that the UASI program will be preserved in the final version of the legislation we are considering today. The Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act appropriately directs resources towards those areas that face the highest threat of a terrorist attack, rather than disbursing homeland security funds without regard to risk. The 9/11 Commission has endorsed this risk-based approach to homeland security funding, the UASI program is consistent with this methodology and should be preserved.

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