Berry Deeply Concerned by 49% Drop in Homeland Security Funds for Arkansas

Berry Deeply Concerned by 49% Drop in Homeland Security Funds for Arkansas

U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) expressed deep frustration today after learning that Arkansas received a 49% cut in its share of funding under the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) from $21.6 million in 2005 to $10.9 million for 2006. Only Wyoming, Minnesota, and Mississippi experienced equal or greater cuts under the comprehensive homeland security grant program.

"It is deeply troubling that the Administration in Washington is putting critical security programs on the chopping block to finance billions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthy," said Congressman Berry. "While I recognize the need to make tough decisions during difficult fiscal times, we need to make the right decisions. And I can assure you, sacrificing our safety is not a decision most Americans feel comfortable with."

DHS issued the $1.7 billion in awards yesterday to help states, urban areas, and territories prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks or natural disasters. The HSGP includes funding for five separate grant programs including the State Homeland Security Grant Program, the Urban Areas Security Initiative, the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program, the Metropolitan Medical Response System, and the Citizen Corps Program. The Administration and Republican leaders in Congress cut millions from the program for this fiscal year, which resulted in decreased funding for nearly every state.

Arkansas experienced the largest cut in its share of the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which dropped from $13.9 million in 2005 to just $4.6 million for 2006. Congressman Berry has worked hard to increase Arkansas' share of funding under this program by raising the minimum funding guarantee for all states. He was one of ten members in the House to oppose a measure that would lower the minimum guarantee from .75% to .25% and distribute the remaining funds by risk. He tried to offer an amendment during that same debate to raise the minimum guarantee for all states, but House Leadership refused to bring the measure to the floor for a vote.

"Since we cannot begin to predict where the next disaster will strike, we need to make sure every community is prepared," said Congressman Berry. "The minute we concentrate all of our resources in urban areas, we leave the door wide open for a dangerous situation in rural America."

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ar01_berry/homelandsecuritycuts.html