Issue Position: Homeland Security

Issue Position

Despite making tremendous progress in our battle against terrorism and extremism, including the death of terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden at the hands of U.S. intelligence, we must still remain vigilant against those who wish to infiltrate our borders and do us harm. In addition to terrorism, our nation must also maintain the tools it needs to face those threats that originate closer to home, such as illegal immigration and violence resulting from drug trafficking. Rep. Whitfield continues to remain focused on making sure our communities are given the resources they need to meet whatever challenges they may face.

Many of the resources that our local communities depend upon originate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS.) Created in the wake of the September 11 attacks, DHS has provided a number of grant programs that fund key services intended to support communities during times of emergency. An example of the work that DHS is doing is with its Grants to States Program. Since its inception, DHS has awarded millions of dollars through Fire Act Grants to Fire Departments in the First Congressional District of Kentucky, with the money used for equipment, fire trucks, and various other items of need. Rep. Whitfield will do his best to ensure that these types of homeland security projects continue to receive the funding that they depend upon.

While our Nation should certainly be looking for ways to cut unnecessary spending and reduce the Federal deficit, Rep. Whitfield believes strongly that these cuts should not come at the expense of our local first responders or the well being of our local communities. Rep. Whitfield will continue to look for efficient, but effective, ways to secure our Nation's borders and protect citizens.

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