News Release - Etheridge Supports Legislation to Provide Homeland Security Dollars for NCt

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

May 12, 2005

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Supports Legislation to Provide Homeland Security Dollars for NC's Security Risks

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), the only North Carolina member of the Homeland Security Committee, today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House in support of legislation that would take North Carolina's unique mix of threats into consideration when federal homeland security dollars are allocated. Shifting from a formula based on population to a comprehensive analysis of threats and potential targets would better secure the state's mix of military bases, universities, financial institutions, schools, interstates and highways and farms.

"North Carolina is currently next to last in homeland security funding, but we are certainly not next to last in risk," Etheridge said. "The state is home to the nation's largest Army base, the nation's second largest financial center, three nuclear power plants, major highways, ports and airports, and an agricultural economy that supplies food to one in ten people in our country. We have serious targets and this legislation uses common sense to make sure our communities are protected. This new approach will help get the funding the folks on the ground who are keeping our state safe each and every day."

Etheridge is a co-sponsor of the "Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005," H.R. 1544, which passed today by a vote of xxx to xx. This legislation would require the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to establish specific, flexible, measurable and comprehensive guidance on the tools needed by states and localities to effectively and efficiently prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism. It would also allocate federal homeland security funds to states based on a comprehensive threat or risk analysis rather than simple population.

The legislation is endorsed by every major first responder organization and implements a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. Last month, N.C. Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety Bryan Beatty came to Washington to testify regarding homeland security funding in North Carolina.