Rep. Crowley Blasts Chertoff On Inadequate Anti-Terror Funds For NYC

Press Release

REP. CROWLEY BLASTS CHERTOFF ON INADEQUATE ANTI-TERROR FUNDS FOR NYC

US Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens & the Bronx) today blasted Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and the Bush Administration for shortchanging New York City on anti-terror grant funding - for the second year in a row. According to the Department of Homeland Security, New York will receive only $134 million, a slight increase over last year's total, but far less than what was provided in 2005.

"Recent reports underscore al Qaeda's determination to strike again in the United States. This continued threat can only be effectively countered by making targeted investments necessary to protect and secure the areas most vulnerable to attack," Crowley said. "I co-created an initiative in 2003 to ensure all federal anti-terror funds are directed where they are needed most. Yet, time and time again the Bush Administration and Secretary Chertoff have refused to acknowledge the threat posed to New York - which remains terrorist target No. 1 - by failing to provide appropriate federal support."

The grant funding came through the Urban Area Security Initiative, a program Congressman Crowley created in 2003 to ensure that these federal anti-terror funds are distributed based on risk, instead of on politics or partisanship.

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