McCarthy Votes for Additional Funding for Firefighters Grants and Other Homeland Security Programs

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) recently voted to include the highest possible level of funding for each homeland security, first responder, and domestic preparedness program in legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security in 2005.

"As September 11 proved, our area is amongst the most vulnerable to terrorism in the country," said McCarthy. "It is essential that programs helping our firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and others on the front lines in the War on Terror be fully funded."

McCarthy voted to add $100 million to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Over the past two years, 11 4th District fire departments have received nearly $2 million for training, safety and communications equipment, and vehicles from this grant.

McCarthy also voted to include an additional $211 million for tougher border security, $50 million for the Air Marshall program, and $96 million for enhanced baggage explosive detection systems at airports with inadequate detection facilities.

The legislation, titled the Sabo Motion to Instruct Conferees on the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, now resides with House and Senate negotiators who will determine whether to include this additional funding in the final version of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

"We cannot afford to continue shortchanging our emergency responders," said McCarthy. "I am very hopeful the conferees make sure these essential programs are fully funded in the 2005."