Collins-Lieberman Amendment Would Increase Proposed Funding for First Responders, Port & Border Security

Collins-Lieberman amendment would increase proposed funding for first responders, port & border security

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Washington, DC - Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) have offered an amendment to the congressional budget resolution to restore $855 million in proposed budget cuts to vital first responder programs in the Department of Homeland Security, port security grant dollars, and border security. The Collins-Lieberman amendment would provide an additional $565 million for state homeland security programs that support our first responders, $150 million for port security grants, and $140 million to allow for the hiring of 1000 additional border patrol agents. The funding would be fully offset by reductions in the "allowances account" so it will not increase the deficit. The legislation was offered as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 budget resolution that is currently being considered in the Senate.

"Our amendment would restore funding to last year's levels for the homeland security grant programs, such as state homeland security grants, the law enforcement terrorism prevention program, and the FIRE grant program. The amendment will also ensure at least the same amount of funding for our nation's ports as last year. And it takes a first step toward increasing the number of border patrol agents as authorized by the Collins-Lieberman Intelligence Reform Act," said Senator Collins in introducing the bill.

As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Collins has worked to ensure that there is adequate funding for first responders and local agencies to protect their communities. She has said that the Administration's budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2006 "falls short in that regard."

"As we set priorities through this budget resolution, we are faced with many worthy and competing needs. But surely along with national defense, improving the security of our homeland must be a priority. And that means providing adequate assistance to those on the front lines - our firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and emergency managers," said Senator Collins. "Secretary Ridge put it well when he said that 'homeland security starts with hometown security.' Improving our preparedness is an investment that we must make to strengthen our ability to prevent, detect, and respond if required to terrorist attacks."

Senator Collins has also introduced legislation that would redefine the federal homeland security funding formula to target billions of dollars toward high risk states and cities while ensuring that all states receive the resources needed to prevent and be prepared for potential terrorist acts.

http://collins.senate.gov/low/record.cfm?id=234299