PERLMUTTER VOTES TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE, SECURE BORDERS
October 15, 2009
Today, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) voted to invest in top priority homeland security programs to keep Americans safe. The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act emphasizes programs to secure our borders, ports and airports, and help train local first responders and emergency personnel. The bill passed the House of Representatives today 307-114.
In Colorado, firefighters and first responders will have the opportunity to apply for grant money from the $950 million State Homeland Grant Program and the $810 million Firefighter Assistance Grant program.
“The security of this nation is priority number one,” said Perlmutter. “Our local firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel are our first line of defense in an emergency. They must have the best training and equipment to keep our communities safe. The grants and programs in this bill give our first responders the tools and resources they need to protect us in case of an emergency.”
The bill also boosts our efforts to increase the security along our borders. There are additional investments to combat the violence, drug smuggling and weapons smuggling currently occurring on our Southwest Border. In addition, the bill invests in improving aviation security, port security and transit security. Among the many important programs, these funds will be used to purchase and install the latest explosive detection systems at airports nationwide and develop and deploy systems to screen cargo containers for weapons and nuclear materials.
“This legislation protects Americans and prepares our nation for 21st century security challenges,” said Perlmutter. “It allows us to better prevent threats and attacks, prepare and plan for emergencies and invest in our response capacities to safeguard our citizens.”
