SENATE APPROVES COLLINS AMENDMENT TO ENSURE SMALL AND RURAL STATES RECEIVE FAIR SHARE OF HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING

Washington, DC – The Senate today approved an amendment introduced by Senator Susan Collins that would redefine the federal homeland security funding formula to ensure that all states receive a fair share of funding. The Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act establishes a baseline level of funding that every state will receive to help prepare for, prevent, and react to terrorist attacks. In addition, Senator Collins' legislation more than doubles the amount allocated to states that are considered high-risk for terrorist attacks. It also streamlines the homeland security grant process in order to deliver that federal money to local first responders more efficiently and expeditiously. The 9/11 Commission has endorsed this provision.

The legislation was offered as an amendment to the Collins-Lieberman National Intelligence Reform Act, which is currently being considered by the Senate Senators Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), and Tom Carper (D-DE) are leading co-sponsors of the provision. Senator Collins is the Chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"My amendment guarantees that rural states like Maine will receive their fair share of federal homeland security dollars. Every state has vulnerabilities and each should be ensured a baseline level of homeland security funding to assure preparedness," said Senator Collins. "At the same time, there should also be a supplemental pool of grant money that is distributed according to risk and vulnerability to terrorist attacks. For example, Maine is faced with protecting 3,500 miles of coastline, major shipping ports, international airports, and a remote border with Canada.

"This legislation ensures both these things. It addresses the homeland security needs of small and rural states like Maine, as well as states with major metropolitan centers." Senator Collins' amendment would also streamline the grant process by requiring that states distribute at least 80% of the federal homeland security funds it receives to local governments and agencies within 45 days of receipt. It establishes a Homeland Security Information Clearinghouse - a one-stop shopping location - to provide states and local governments with the information they need on grant programs and the use of those federal dollars. The legislation directs DHS to create a national domestic preparedness training center to assist states in developing, maintaining, and adopting certifiable training standards for first responders. It also gives state and local governments greater flexibility to transfer state homeland security grant funds among different preparedness activities, such as training, planning, and equipment.

"Our amendment would provide states with the predictable, steady stream of homeland security dollars they need to defend themselves from terrorist threats," said Senator Collins. "It increases first responders' and local officials' input into how funding is spent, makes it easier to apply for federal grants, promotes flexibility in the use of homeland security funding, and protects programs that work, such as the FIRE Act."

Art Cleaves, the Director of the Maine Emergency Management Association, said, "We are grateful to Senator Collins for her hard work in securing continued flexibility in homeland security funding for all states, and for ensuring that adequate funding will be provided to border states such as Maine for homeland security. This legislation provides the proper balance between flexibility and accountability in the allocation and use of grant funds. It is extremely important to us here in Maine as we work toward improving our capability in terrorism prevention and preparedness."

The National Governors Association, Advocates for EMS, National Council of State Legislatures, Council of State Governments, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, International City/County Management Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and National Fire Chiefs Association have endorsed the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act.

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