Rep. Andrews Opposes Cuts to Homeland Security Programs to keep First Responders Fully Equipped

I am pleased to announce that I have joined a number of other Members of Congress in opposing the White House initiative to cut vital Homeland Security programs designed to support and equip our first responders to emergencies. 

Specifically, one of the proposals the White House has offered is the total elimination of FIRE grants and the SAFER Act Program.  In the past, FIRE grants have allowed local fire departments to purchase new firefighting equipment as well as protective gear and training programs to ensure that our firefighters are given the resources necessary to respond to any emergency.  Moreover, the SAFER Program has provided grants to local fire departments to support the hiring of career firefighters and programs for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters to fill the staffing shortfall that has occurred in most local fire departments. 

In addition, the White House has proposed cuts to the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).  These proposed cuts will force city governments to scale back their homeland security efforts and leave many of our nations’ largest urban areas at greater risk.

I believe it is essential that our emergency staff be as well equipped as possible.  I will continue to take every opportunity to learn more from local officials and first responders on programs that are most effective for them and that need to be strengthened. 

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