Houses Passes Conference Report On FY 2010 Department Of Homeland Security Funding Bill

Press Release

Today, Congressman Sires supported the Conference Report on H.R. 2892, the fiscal year 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which passed the House by a vote of 307 to 114. This bill provides funding for a number of critical grant programs that support First Responders and increase security in the United States: $887 million for Urban Area Grants, $300 million for Transit Grants, $300 million for Port Security Grants, $810 million for Fire Grants and $60 million for Emergency Operations Centers.

"This bill has over $4 billion for Homeland Security grants, and these grants are critical to New Jersey's 13th District," said Congressman Sires. "This funding will go a long way toward improving security in the district. Through these grants, we ensure that our first responders are adequately prepared to offer us the best protection possible against a range of threats," added Congressman Sires.

Funding for H.R. 2892 totals $42.776 billion and also includes $7.7 billion in needed funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Nearly $1 billion will go towards purchasing and installing explosive detection systems at airports, $110.5 million for surface transportation security, and $122.8 million for TSA to meet the 100-percent air cargo security screening mandates. The bill also includes $8.8 billion to fund our Coast Guard and $103.4 million for chemical facility security.

The Conference Report now awaits consideration by the Senate.

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