Mike Levin: “I will support the Homeland Security appropriations conference report today because this funding is vital to our first…”

“I will support the Homeland Security appropriations conference report today because this funding is vital to our first responders and all of those responsible for protecting us. I am disappointed that the conference committee rejected additional funding for first responders, port security grants, aviation security, additional Customs inspectors at our borders and other protective measures. At a time when homeland security should be a top priority, we should not be underfunding these programs. In addition to inadequate funding, the grant formula that is used to distribute funding under the Office of Domestic Preparedness State Homeland Security Grant Program is inequitable and needs to be changed. This program distributes funds using a minimum State funding formula that arbitrarily sets aside a large portion of the funds to be divided equally among the States, regardless of need. ... I will continue to work to change this formula so that funding is allocated in an equitable and reasonable manner.”