Daniel Akaka: “I join my colleagues from Maine and Connecticut in opposing the Menendez amendment, which seeks to change the formula…”

“I join my colleagues from Maine and Connecticut in opposing the Menendez amendment, which seeks to change the formula for the State Homeland Security Grant Program. The chairman and ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee have fought tirelessly to ensure that every State is prepared for a major disaster. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of their bill, S. 21, the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act, which strikes a fair compromise on this issue. This legislation passed the Senate by an overwhelming majority last year as an amendment to the FY 2006 Homeland Security appropriations bill. Thanks to Senator Collins and Senator Lieberman, the Senate has taken a strong position on the need for a consistent, guaranteed line of homeland security funding for each and every state. I strongly advocate the .75 percent minimum, which is guaranteed under current law. Hawaii and every state needs to develop a preparedness baseline, so residents are cared for in the event of a disaster. I fear that reducing the State minimum to .25 percent will severely impact the homeland security preparedness and response capabilities for much of the United States. The sponsors of this amendment argue that the distribution of the majority of homeland security funding should be left to the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security. However, we all remember what happened in May when DHS rolled out its new risk-based funding model.…”