The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. DHS is responsible for all homeland security related activities among executive departments and agencies and promoting the effective development and implementation of all homeland security policies. An example of the work that DHS is doing is with its Grants to States Program. Since its inception, DHS has awarded millions of dollars through Fire Act Grants to the Fire Departments in the First District of Kentucky used for equipment, fire trucks, and various other items of need.
Immigration:
Since 2001 funding has increased for border security by 60 percent. Border agents have apprehended and sent home more than 4.5 million people coming into the country illegally including about 350,000 with criminal records. The border must be open to trade and tourism and closed to criminals, drug dealers, and terrorists. While much is being done to combat illegal immigration, much more needs to be done. In December 2005, the House passed the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. This bill will create a federal workforce verification standard to determine whether employees are legally eligible to work in the United States, it incorporates state and local law enforcement resources in detaining and deporting illegal aliens, and it will also establish fences and other physical barriers and incorporates advanced tracking technologies along the border. This bill passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate.
Port Security:
Following September 11th, the federal government has implemented a multi-faceted defense plan to secure our ports. This plan includes funding over $630 million in grants to the largest ports for new technology, cargo screening and inspection, the creation of a business partnership of nearly 5,800 international firms working to improve baseline security standards, and much more. During the 109th Congress, I have supported several efforts to increase security at our ports, such as the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act, which passed the House in April. This legislation will increase port security at United States ports, improve tracking and protecting containers en route to the United States, and reduce the risk of possible terrorist threats from reaching our country.
Law Enforcement:
I support tough crime laws and providing incentives to states to increase enforcement of existing laws. To help battle crime in the First District, we have coordinated with federal law enforcement officials to have two Drug Enforcement Administration agents permanently stationed in the First District. I worked diligently to secure $4.9 million to support local law enforcement efforts to combat the production, distribution, and use of methamphetamine in the First District. I have also supported funding for the Department of Justice to continue the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grants Program. This program has provided the state and local governments with millions of dollars to help create safer communities.
Links:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
White House – Office of Homeland Security
Kentucky Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
