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Washington, DC – Today Congressman Wu voted in support of H.R. 1544, the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act, legislation that reforms the manner in which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues grants to states and local first responders for terrorism prevention, preparedness and response programs. Most notably, this legislation provides Oregon's first responders with more timely access to federal dollars by requiring states to forward at least 80% of the funds to first responders or local entities within 45 days of receiving the funds.
Additionally, first responders will benefit in two other important ways. First responders will have better guidance when determining where to focus limited resources as the bill requires DHS to develop an essential capabilities list and establish national standards for training and equipment. The bill also permits DHS to award grants to regions, both within states and across state lines. Such partnerships allow first responders to better address regional security concerns such as Oregon's shared waterways, dams and bridges.
“Today, Congress was successful in addressing our homeland security in a bipartisan, common sense manner,” stated Wu. “Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and the nation, will be better prepared.”
Since September 11, 2001, DHS has provided nearly $10.5 billion for homeland security programs and equipment. Primarily, funding has been awarded by distributing minimum guaranteed amounts first, with remaining dollars dispersed based on population. H.R. 1544 changes the population-based formula to a risk-based formula while maintaining minimum guarantees. This change only applies to three grant programs: the State Homeland Security Grant Program, the Urban Area Security Initiative and the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program.
H.R. 1544 excludes grants to assists firefighters, emergency-management planning and assistance grants and all grant programs outside of DHS. For example, the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program will not be affected. Oregon's firefighters have greatly benefited from this program with over $230,000 coming into the state in fiscal year 2004 alone.
H.R. 1544 is supported by every major first responder organization, including the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue based in Aloha, Oregon. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue provides fire protection and emergency medical services to approximately 418,000 citizens in one of the fastest growing regions in Oregon.
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