First Responder Anti-Terrorism Training Resources Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3978, a bill that would permit the Center for Domestic Preparedness and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to accept gifts and donations in order to better train our nation's first responders. As Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I was pleased that H.R. 3978 received broad bi-partisan support in the House and passed the Senate unanimously. I urge my colleagues to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3978.

Madam Speaker, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Center for Domestic Preparedness (Center) is the nation's leading all-hazards first-responder training center. The Center trains thousands of first responders and is especially well-known for its weapons of mass destruction training facility. It is of significant interest to the Committee and many of us have visited the campus to see the important training that takes place.

The Center often receives offers of donated goods and services, such as training displays, response equipment, and trailers. These donations would allow the Center to offer stronger training opportunities at a lower cost to the Department of Homeland Security and the American taxpayer. The Center, however, does not have the legal authority to accept gifts that would enhance its ability to deliver superior training.

The Senate Amendment to H.R. 3978 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to permit the Center to receive donated gifts and services that are related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to all-hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters. The legislation further calls on the Secretary of Homeland Security to annually report to Congress on the gifts accepted, how the gifts contribute to the mission of the Center and the amount of Federal savings that were generated from the acceptance of the gifts.

The bill also amends the Homeland Security Act to authorize the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to accept and use gifts, donations, and services.

Mr. Speaker, the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3978 will pay immediate dividends for our first responder community by enhancing their training with more resources. The Committee will continue to support these important training centers and the brave work of our first responders. I support the passage of the Senate

Amendment to H.R. 3978 and encourage my colleagues to support it as well.

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