Frank Lautenberg: “Some will say now isn't the time to make public investments. Some will say we can't afford it.”

I am deeply concerned that recent cuts to the IRS budget are jeopardizing its ability to carry out this vital mission.

Efforts to consolidate these grants could shift critical grant funds away from the areas most at-risk for a terror attack, like my State of New Jersey.

I remain concerned about the Department's fiscal year 2014 budget proposal to once again attempt to consolidate preparedness grants into one national program.

Both agencies were crucial in helping New Jersey respond to and recover from Superstorm Sandy, and Congress must support them so that we are better prepared for future storms.