On the recordJune 6, 2012
I would like to thank the chairman for yielding, and I rise in support of the Homeland Security appropriations bill. Our Nation lives with the memory of September 11, 2001, each and every day. We can never take back the events of that day or the thousands of lives, including 700 from New Jersey, that were lost. Like Mr. King, I would like to highlight that this legislation includes critical funding for investments in first responder grants. The bill includes $1.7 billion for the Department's State and local grant program, which include the Homeland Security Grant program, or what we call UASI, Urban Area Security Initiative, both of which have been greatly benefiting New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area for the last 10 years. The bill also includes $650 million in firefighter grants and $350 million for emergency management performance grants. It's important to note that this bill again includes, due to the leadership of the chairman, language to improve accountability and transparency to ensure the taxpayers' dollars are well spent. Lastly, I think all of us would like to recognize how much we depend on the hard work and dedication and tireless work of so many homeland security professionals, emergency squads, fire and police that do the job and some of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
