OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012

Floor Speech

Date: June 1, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Transportation

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Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of increased funding for important state and local grant programs which have been irresponsibly slashed in this bill.

This bill consolidates nine distinct grant programs into one and cuts the overall funding level by 55 percent from FY 2011 levels.

This bill cuts programs that our communities rely on to detect and prevent terrorism, train emergency responders, secure transit and ports, and address other critical needs.

Have the threats our communities face diminished by 55 percent in the past year?

No.

In fact, in the past few months we have dealt with numerous natural disasters--tsunamis, tornadoes, and floods.

Early today, 40 Honolulu Firefighters were called to extinguish a fire that damaged three businesses in Hawaii--which they did successfully.

And even with the death of Osama Bin Laden, we all know that we must remain vigilant against the likelihood of possible terrorist attacks.

If anything, we should be increasing funding for detecting, preventing, and responding to these types of threats.

Instead, the majority's cut and consolidate proposal will undermine Hawaii's preparedness. This bill will prevent Hawaii from receiving Urban Area Security Initiative funds, which have been crucial to our ability to detect and guard against terrorist attacks, and prepare for natural and man-made disasters.

Additionally, port and transit security funds received a combined $500 million in FY 2011. Under this ``cut and consolidate'' proposal, these programs now must compete with seven other programs for a total allocation of $1 billion.

This bill as written fails to adequately address a key objective of the Department of Homeland Security--ensuring that our nation is prepared for unforeseen emergencies.

The National Association of Counties also opposes this ``cut and consolidate'' approach. I request that a letter I received from the Association outlining its concerns be included in the RECORD.

I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting amendments like this one and providing adequate resources to keep our communities safe.

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