Nothing is more important than protecting our nation’s citizens from the possibility of a terrorist attack. Events in recent years have clearly highlighted the need for additional powers and authority for our law enforcement and counter terrorism agencies. With these new powers must also come enhanced oversight and accountability. As we work to provide law enforcement with the tools they need, we must also be sure to protect the freedoms and civil liberties upon which our great nation was founded.

In these times of heightened security, it is absolutely necessary that we provide adequate resources for our first responders. I have and will continue to fight against efforts to eliminate or cut funding to the many federal grants which are so beneficial to local police and fire departments. Some of these programs include: Byrne-JAG law enforcement grants, Community Oriented Policing Services grants (COPS), and Assistance to Firefighter Grants among many others.

In addition to providing the necessary funding, it is also important for this funding to be distributed in the most appropriate manner. The 9/11 Commission, an independent commission created to make recommendations on the best ways to guard against future terrorist attacks, recently awarded Congress and the Bush administration a grade of F for our failure to distribute homeland security funds on the basis of risk. There no way to justify a first responder grant formula that awards Wyoming $37.94 per capita while Michigan--a key border State--receives just $7.87 per capita. I believe that Homeland security funding should be distributed based on risk, so that additional resources are provided to the areas where they are needed the most.

• Final Report on 9/11 Commission Recommendations