New Legislation Supports First Responders, Holds Administration Accountable

May 9, 2007

Rep. Ed Perlmutter today joined a bipartisan majority in Congress to pass H.R. 1684 the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act, legislation to protect America, support first responders and increase funding for homeland security.

“Congress has a duty to protect our communities from those who would do us harm,” said Perlmutter. “The nearly 200,000 employees of the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the countless first-responders and first-preventers throughout the country continue to work bravely and tirelessly to protect our nation from terrorist attack, respond to disasters, and monitor our immigration system. Today, we passed the right bill to keep our neighborhoods safe, support our first responders and hold the Bush Administration accountable to do all they can to protect America’s communities and families.”

HR 1684 creates a Comprehensive Homeland Security Review to be conducted every four years establishing DHS goals and benchmarks, while laying the groundwork to achieve success. The bill also finally creates a procurement training office within DHS to better protect taxpayer dollars from wasteful contracting.

The President’s budget recklessly cut essential grant programs like the Assistance to Firefighters grants and State Homeland Security Grants, which police and fire departments in Colorado and around the country use to secure our communities. This bill passed by Congress, fully funds these critical grants programs.

Specifically, the legislation authorizes $39.8 billion for the Department of Homeland Security in the next fiscal year, $2.1 billion more than the President’s budget. The bill also restores the President’s numerous cuts in vital First Responder programs, including the 52 percent cut in the State Homeland Security Grant program and 55 percent cut in Firefighter Assistance Grants.

“When disasters occur, firefighters, EMTs and police officers are first on the scene,” added Perlmutter. “I’m proud to support legislation that will help ensure these courageous men and women have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs.”

This bill also contains strong accountability measures that strengthen and streamline management, reform contracting practices, and improve oversight.