Washington, D.C. - Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) voted today to invest in top priority homeland security programs that will keep Americans safe.  The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act emphasizes programs that secure our borders, ports, and airports, and help train local first responders and emergency personnel.  The bill eliminates 12 unnecessary programs and cuts wasteful funding for another 37 programs.

"Keeping this nation safe is our top priority," said Barrow.  "That means making sure we secure our borders, train our local first responders, and safeguard the American people."

The bill enhances efforts to increase security along our borders.  It includes investments to combat the violence, drug smuggling, and weapons smuggling currently occurring on our Southwest Border.  In addition, the bill invests in improving aviation security, port security, and transit security.  Among many important programs, these funds will be used to purchase and install the latest explosive detection systems at airports nationwide, and develop and deploy systems to screen cargo containers for weapons and nuclear materials.

"The men and women who guard our borders are charged with keeping us safe," said Barrow.  "We're making sure that they have the resources they need to do their job.  They're up against 21st century security challenges, and they need 21st tools.  We'll be in a better position to prevent threats and attacks, prepare and plan for emergencies, and invest in our response capacities to safeguard our citizens."

The legislation will also provide our first responders with the equipment and training they need to keep our communities safe.  It includes over $3 billion in grants for local municipalities to protect critical infrastructure in high-threat areas, help local fire departments, and upgrade central command facilities.

"Our local firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel are our first line of defense in an emergency.  They need the best training and equipment to keep our communities safe.  The grants and programs in this bill make sure they have it."

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Contact:  Jane Brodsky, (202) 225-2823

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