WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jon Porter (R-NV) praised the passage of H.R. 1544, the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005.  This reform of federal funding for first responders passed in the House of Representatives by an overwhelming majority of 409 to 10.
 
“I am proud to have supported this important change in current funding for domestic readiness based upon a more common sense basis,” said Porter.  “Just as terrorists are not arbitrary in selecting their targets, we cannot be arbitrary with how we protect our nation By taking into account all of the factors that determine the threat of attack and the need for domestic responder preparedness, Southern Nevada will receive more appropriate resources for our community and the millions of visitors we welcome.”
 
H.R. 1544 provides priority assistance to first responders facing the greatest risk and streamlines terrorism preparedness grants. The plan also requires the establishment of specific, flexible, and measurable goals for first responders, and encourages states and localities to pool resources for regional benefit, all while following the valued recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.   Creation of a First Responders Grant Board will help prioritize grant applications based on threat, vulnerability, and consequences of a terrorist attack. 
 
The Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act moves the planning process ahead of grant making.  This common-sense change will help to eliminate unnecessary delays and the waste and abuse of valuable homeland security dollars.  Instead of waiting until funds are received to begin planning on how to spend them, the homeland security plans of those receiving grants must be in place before they are awarded taxpayers money.  Grant applications will be required to fit statewide homeland security plans and specify exactly how funds will be spent.  States must then make grant awards to first responders within 45 days or face penalties for their delay.  Additionally, the plan will allow not only states, but also regions (both intrastate and interstate) to apply for terrorism preparedness grants.

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