WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand voted in favor of the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 1684), which authorizes $39.8 billion dollars for homeland security funding. This amount of funding is $2.1 billion more than the President requested in his budget.
Local first responders to benefit May 10, 2007 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand voted in favor of the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 1684), which authorizes $39.8 billion dollars for homeland security funding. This amount of funding is $2.1 billion more than the President requested in his budget. "These funds are essential to strengthening our nation and implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission," said Congresswoman Gillibrand, a member of the House Armed Serviced Committee. "Through increased funding for the Department of Homeland Security we can continue to address the concerns of protecting our infrastructure and ensuring sustained American security at home." The bill also provides increased funding for the DHS’s various grant programs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Local fire departments had expressed concern over the effect of the President’s proposed cuts. "These grant programs are critical to providing necessary equipment, technical assistance training, and operational support for our firefighters and emergency responders," Gillibrand added. The Congresswoman’s office is actively working with local first responders to aide in the grant application process. For more information on how to apply for a DHS grant, local agencies and departments should contact Congresswoman Gillibrand’s Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-5614. # # # |