Stupak Statement on FEMA and Interoperability

Stupak Statement on FEMA and Interoperability

Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI) issued the following statement regarding reports that $3.1 billion in funding for first responders communications is being held up by House Republicans:

"This Administration and this Congress' record on providing interoperable communications for our first responders can be described only as abysmal. Today's report that House Republicans and the Administration are holding up $3.1 billion in funding for first responders communications is another example of how we are failing first responders. Instead of accepting responsibility and providing leadership to ensure that our brave firefighters, police and EMTs have radios that can communicate, this Administration tries to blame localities.

"Even Secretary Chertoff acknowledges that the technology exists for communications interoperability. Yet, the Department of Homeland Security has failed to set communications standards and still has not completed a baseline survey of interoperability. The Administration should stop passing the buck and live up to its own responsibilities to provide funding, set standards and ensure our first responders have the tools they need to keep Americans safe.

"Our first responders do not need more excuses. What they need and what this country needs is a new direction for homeland security that will make interoperable communications a national priority."

Stupak, a former Michigan State Police Trooper and city police officer helped found and is co-chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus. Stupak has authored legislation, the Public Safety Interoperability Implementation Act, which would provide a dedicated funding source for first responders' communications upgrades nationwide.

http://www.house.gov/list/press/mi01_stupak/Interoperability091506.html