Nelson Statement on Final Passage of 9/11 Commission Recommendation Bill

NELSON STATEMENT ON FINAL PASSAGE OF 9/11 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION BILL

The United States Senate today passed legislation to implement some of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson joined 59 of his colleagues in supporting the legislation. Nelson issued the following statement on the bill:

"More than five years after the September 11th attacks, we still have a long way to go to improve homeland security. This legislation will help federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and first responders prepare for and prevent terrorist attacks.

"Significantly for Nebraska, this legislation establishes that Omaha can continue to apply for federal funding through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) - the largest federal homeland security grant program for large urban areas. It also provides much needed funding for local governments to implement interoperable communications systems, as well as funding for improvements to rail security, and beefed up aviation security.

"While no legislation can protect us from every terrorist threat, this bill will ensure that our nation is safer tomorrow than we are today."

Since fiscal year 2003, Nebraska has received a total of $64.352 million in State Homeland Security Grant Program funds. Omaha has received a total of $13.4 million in UASI funds, but did not receive any funding in FY07 due to a change in how the grants were distributed. The legislation passed today once again allows Omaha to be eligible for funding.

http://bennelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=270591&&