WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers announced today his bill, H.R. 3978, the First Responder Anti-Terrorism Training Resources Act, was signed into law this week by President Obama.  This legislation provides the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama, authority to accept donations of items such as railcars, subway cars, emergency response equipment and other property and services training purposes.

The new law puts the CDP on par with other federal training sites across the nation that also may accept donated equipment, property and services from sources such as state and local governments, the private sector and the National Guard.

Rogers originally introduced this bill in November 2009 and with bipartisan support it passed the House in December 2009. The Senate passed it with an amendment unrelated to the CDP in August 2010. The House promptly passed the amended bill and sent it to the White House.

“The CDP, unique in its mission, will benefit greatly from this law and it is a win-win for first responders, U.S. taxpayers, and the dedicated employees of the CDP,” Rogers said.

H.R. 3978 is the first Republican bill taken up by the Committee on Homeland Security to start at committee level, pass both chambers and be signed in to law during the 111th Congress.

“I am pleased Congress saw the importance of this bill and appreciate the support on both sides of the aisle for this important first responder training facility in Calhoun County,” Rogers added.

The CDP is the nation’s premier all-hazards training center, and the only U.S. site where first responders train using actual toxic live agents, such as GB (sarin gas) and VX. Last year, the CDP celebrated its 500,000th graduate.

Rogers serves as Ranking Member on a Homeland Security subcommittee as well as a member of the House Armed Services and House Agriculture Committees.
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