Issue Position: National Security - First Responders

Issue Position

Issue Position: National Security - First Responders

First responders in our communities put themselves at tremendous risk to protect us. Police, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel stand ready to respond in a crisis no matter what, and they deserve a federal government that stands ready to support them in return. In January 2003, I introduced S. 45, the First Responders Support Act, to give first responders a strong voice in the new Homeland Security Department. It is critical that the lines of communication are open between the new department and first responders. That is precisely what my bill aims to do, by establishing a federal liaison between the Homeland Security Department and first responders in each state.

My legislation would have also ensured effective use of taxpayer dollars. The First Responders Support Act would have established a new advisory committee of first responders that would help the Department identify first responder needs and evaluate the adequacy and timelines of resources for local first responders.

I have also cosponsored a series of bills, including the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act, S.1245, during the 108th Congress, that would help simplify the emergency responders grant application process in the Department of Homeland Security. This important bipartisan legislation would create a "one-stop shop" for grant funding and assistance and eliminate many of the duplicative requirements. It would also give local officials more flexibility so that they can use federal homeland security dollars to more effectively meet local needs. In addition, the bill would help ensure that federal dollars get down to the local level in a timely fashion. I continue to work to provide adequate funding for critical law enforcement programs on the national, state and local level.

Source