February 04, 2004   SENATE APPROVES COLLINS, LIEBERMAN BILL TO PROVIDE CUTTING EDGE COUNTERTERRORISM EQUIPMENT TO COMMUNITIES Legislation Has Support of Major National Law Enforcement Organizations   WASHINGTON, D.C.--The U.S. Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ranking Member Joe Lieberman (D-CT) to provide state and local law enforcement agencies with technology to prevent and fight terrorism. The legislation, the Homeland Security Technology Improvement Act (S. 1612), would create a technology transfer program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and transfer advanced counterterrorism technologies to state and local law enforcement agencies. The program would provide equipment and technologies to state and local law enforcement officers to expand their investigative capabilities and to prevent future attacks. The bill would authorize $50 million each year for the DHS Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) to establish and run the program, in coordination with the Science and Technology Directorate. "We need to focus our efforts on preventing terrorist attacks before they occur. By providing counterterrorism technology to law enforcement agencies, we can help our first responders to become 'first preventers,'" said Senator Collins. "New technologies lead to more effective equipment that will help police officers and sheriffs protect communities—and themselves." "Twenty-first century enemies need to be met with 21st century weapons. As the most technologically advanced nation on the globe, the least we can do is equip our state and local responders with the advanced tools we know can help thwart terrorist's evil intentions," said Senator Lieberman. The legislation would fill a technology gap left by ODP's traditional grant program, which cannot be used to purchase advanced technologies. The Homeland Department Secretary may also expand the program to other first responder groups. The legislation, which was approved unanimously, has been endorsed by four of the nation's most respected law enforcement organizations—the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Sheriffs' Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Major Cities Chiefs Association.   ###   Printable Version   « previous Press Release next Press Release »   1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 February 2004 Press Releases   February 27 - Senator Collins Reflects on Department of Homeland Security’s First-Year Accomplishments   February 27 - Collins, Lieberman Urge Budget Committee to Fund Key Coast Guard Project   February 26 - Senator Collins Praises Education Dept. for Creating Online List of Accredited Institutions   February 26 - GAO Agrees With Chairman Collins That Comprehensive Postal Reform Is “Urgently Needed”   February 20 - Senators Collins, Lieberman Comment on TSA’s Involvement in Obtaining Sensitive Airline Passenger Information   February 13 - Senators Call on TSA to Explain Its Role in Obtaining Sensitive Airline Passenger Information   February 13 - Senator Collins Comments on DHS Personnel Regulations   February 12 - Senator Collins: Defense Contractors Who Cheat on Their Taxes Must Be Held Accountable   February 12 - Senate, House Committees Release GAO Report On Federal IT Project Management   February 9 - Secretary Ridge Outlines Homeland Security FY ‘05 Budget Before Committee   February 9 - Chairman Collins Joins Senators Fitzgerald and Levin in Introducing Legislation to Reform Mutual Fund Industry   February 6 - Collins Praises Administration's Efforts to Combat Agroterrorism   February 4 - Senator Collins Holds Hearing on Postal Reform   February 4 current Press Release
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 340 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510