Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
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	Press Releases March 22, 2005   DHS LAUNCHES SENATOR COLLINS’ PROGRAM TO ENSURE CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS IN SMALLER COMMUNITIES “Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program” based on Senator Collins’ legislation   Washington, DC – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced it is launching a program, based upon legislation authored by Senator Susan Collins, that helps to ensure first responders are able to access cutting edge technology and specialized training to help prevent and prepare for terrorist incidents. The Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) will be administered by DHS’ Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP). It is designed to complement other DHS programs that also provide valuable funding and resources to first responders. CEDAP is a pilot program based upon legislation that was authored by Senator Collins and introduced in the 108th Congress as S. 1612. The legislation authorized DHS to provide advanced counterterrorism technology, equipment, and specialized training to law enforcement agencies to help them deter, detect, and apprehend terrorists. The initiative is based upon the popular C-TAC program that provides equipment and training to law enforcement agencies for counter narcotic efforts. Senator Collins is the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “Police in Maine and across the nation are in need of counterterrorism technology, especially interoperable communication and detection equipment. This funding will get the latest equipment and training into the hands of those who need it most – the front line officers who protect our communities and who are first to respond to an attack,” said Senator Collins. “We must continue to do more to help first responders become first preventers – to help them apprehend terrorists and thwart attacks before they happen. We must also ensure that they have the best resources available to respond should an attack occur.” “This program demonstrates the Department’s recognition of a principle that I have stressed since the attacks of 9/11; that the homeland security needs of our smaller communities – where terrorists have been known to plan and prepare for attacks -- must not be ignored,” added Senator Collins. The CEDAP program has the strong backing of the national law enforcement community including the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs’Association. “This pilot program will meet the special needs of smaller communities to ensure our preparedness efforts reach all of America,” said Matt Mayer, SLGCP Acting Executive Director. “The CEDAP will fill gaps where smaller jurisdictions have been unable to acquire needed equipment in the past.” For more information, including an application kit for first responders: www.dhs.gov.   ###   Printable Version   « previous Press Release next Press Release »   1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 March 2005 Press Releases February   |  April   --   2004   |  2006     March 31 - SENATOR COLLINS’ STATEMENT ON WMD REPORT   March 31 - SENATOR COLLINS COMMENDS DHS FOR NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS GOALS   March 28 - SENATORS COLLINS & LIEBERMAN: DHS DEEPWATER REPORT INCOMPLETE   March 22 current Press Release   March 22 - STUDY ON PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS IN RURAL AREAS REINFORCES SENATOR COLLINS’ STANCE ON NEED FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO ALL STATES   March 18 - SENATORS COLLINS & CARPER INTRODUCE POSTAL REFORM LEGISLATION   March 17 - COLLINS, LIEBERMAN URGE ACCELERATION OF COAST GUARD DEEPWATER MODERNIZATION PROGRAM   March 17 - SENATE APPROVES COLLINS-LIEBERMAN AMENDMENT TO RESTORE $855 MILLION IN HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING; 63-37 VOTE   March 14 - SENATOR COLLINS URGES BUDGET COMMITTEE TO INCLUDE FUNDS FOR POSTAL REFORM   March 11 - SENATOR COLLINS INTRODUCES BILL TO INCREASE SUPPORT FOR AMBULANCE, RESCUE & OTHER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES   March 9 - COMMITTEE APPROVES MICHAEL JACKSON TO BE DHS DEPUTY SECRETARY   March 9 - SENATOR COLLINS QUESTIONS DHS SECRETARY ON FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS   March 8 - SENATOR COLLINS URGES FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS   March 7 - SENATOR COLLINS CHAIRS CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR DHS DEPUTY SECRETARY NOMINEE   March 3 - SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $200,000 FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE & ASSETS IN MAINE   March 3 - SENATOR COLLINS REQUESTS EQUAL PAY RAISE FOR FEDERAL CIVILIAN AND MILITARY EMPLOYEES   March 3 - SENATORS COLLINS & LIEBERMAN STATEMENT ON INDICTMENTS FOR FEMA FRAUD   March 3 - Senator Collins Introduces National Women’s History Museum Bill   March 2 - Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Federal Whistleblower Protection Introduced In Senate   March 2 - Senator Collins Calls for Greater Protection of Federal Employee’s Private Information   March 1 - Senator Collins Announces Release of Nearly $17 Million for Homeland Security in Maine
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