Cramer Supports Legislation to Increase First Responder Grants and Border Security

Press Release

Cramer Supports Legislation to Increase First Responder Grants and Border Security

U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) announced today that the House reauthorized the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year 2008. This year's bill authorizes $39.9 billion for the Department, $2.1 billion more than requested.

The legislation's increased authorization enables the Department of Homeland Security to restore funding for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, firefighter assistance grants, the Local Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.

"The grant programs provided through Homeland Security have given local communities like ours the ability to purchase the most up-to-date resources and technology available to better respond to an emergency," said Cramer. "This bill takes steps to fully fund those programs and provide additional opportunities for first responders to be prepared."

Also included in the Department's total authorization is funding to help increase security along the nation's border. This legislation requires the Department to implement a strategy that would increase the number of individuals in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. This plan would include increased recruitment incentives, bonus payments for returning agents, increased pay for agents in high-cost areas, and a program that will allow agents to transfer to different locations after two years.

"The people of North Alabama are respectful and thankful for the difficult job the men and women of our Border Protection Agency face on the front-lines in our fight against illegal immigration," said Cramer. "This bill establishes steps to help increase the number of agents and to better compensate them for their work."

In addition, the reauthorization bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish State and Local Fusion Centers across the country. These centers would facilitate information between the Department and local law enforcement officials. In addition, the bill authorizes $300 million in grants to help states develop more secure documents, such as state-issued identification cards. These grants would also be used to prevent individuals from fraudulently obtaining those documents.

"Knowing who is here legally and who is not is a vital part of securing our country," said Cramer. "This bill will help states better coordinate information with the Department as well as put in place safeguards to prevent illegal immigrants and terrorists from obtaining official state IDs."

This legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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