Donovan Saves National Urban Security Technology Laboratory

Statement

Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today announced that his amendment to restore funding to the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) passed the U.S. House of Representatives. NUSTL, which is located in New York City, researches, develops, and evaluates new technologies for law enforcement officers and first responders to ensure they have the tools needed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to terror attacks and emergency situations.

Congressman Donovan said, "Today, the United States -- and specifically New York City -- faces a heightened terror environment. Bombing attempts in New York and New Jersey last year, as well as global attacks in public areas and on mass transit systems, remind us of the importance of developing innovative technologies that allow security personnel to respond to and mitigate evolving threats. NUSTL is constantly developing and testing new tools that ensure the brave men and women on our front lines can protect our homeland, and it's critical they have resources to continue their innovative work."

FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said, "The Fire Department utilizes NUSTL resources on an approximately weekly basis to support our ability to address critical security threats. Closing NUSTL would negatively affect preparedness and response planning for terrorist incidents, industrial accidents, and routine emergencies."

John Kada, AFGE Local 42 Vice President said, "NUSTL's staff is grateful for Congressman Donovan's efforts to ensure that NUSTL continues supporting the first responders who protect our citizens. NUSTL does this through programs that ensure that first responders have the equipment best suited for their needs, that the equipment they have works as intended, and that they are trained to use this equipment optimally. We look forward to continuing in this important mission."

NUSTL is a federal laboratory organized within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate's First Responders Group. The lab regularly tests equipment, including radiological detection technologies, for the FDNY and NYPD. The labs strategic location in New York City allows for innovative systems and technologies to be tested by local first responders before being implemented on a national scale.

Donovan visited NUSTL last month to tour the facility and get a firsthand look of critical equipment first responders rely on, including radiation and thermal detectors, drones, and firefighting gloves.

The amendment was included in the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act (H.R. 3354), legislation that appropriates money for the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies, which is expected to be voted on later this week.

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