| WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant victory for rural America, U.S. Congressman Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) secured two key amendments to H.R. 1544, the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. Although the legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reallocate federal homeland security funds to areas with the greatest risk, Congressman Berry’s amendments would ensure America’s farmers and rural states have a voice in this process.
The Congressman’s first amendment would add the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to the First Responder Grants Board so that DHS fully incorporates the dangers of agro-terrorism in its list of potential vulnerabilities. The United States government recognized this potential risk in 2001 when it moved APHIS inspectors under the newly-created Department of Homeland Security. The Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Select Committee on Homeland Security supported the amendment and thanked Congressman Berry for bringing this important matter to the attention of Congress.
“Adding the Administrator of APHIS to this board will provide the missing link on issues relating to agro-terrorism,” said Berry. “We must take the threat of agro-terrorism seriously. I can think of nothing more dangerous than a deadly disease spreading through our food supply. Such an attack could jeopardize the lives of millions of Americans and potentially shut-down our economy.”
Berry’s second amendment would increase collaboration between state and federal homeland security officials by requiring DHS to work with states on establishing homeland security priorities. Since the legislation requires states to provide DHS with a three-year action plan, this amendment will help states communicate their needs to the federal government.
“Since September 11th, our states have taken bold steps to assess local security needs and better prepare communities for the possibility of a dangerous attack. They are the leaders in this effort and the best resource we have for identifying our country’s risks,” said Congressman Berry. “Greater collaboration between states and the federal government will ensure that every homeland security official is on the same page.”
Congressman Berry ultimately opposed the bill because it would change the minimum funding guarantee for states from .75% to .25% and significantly reduce the amount of funding that Arkansas would receive for homeland security initiatives. Although Congressman Berry offered an amendment to increase this minimum for all states, the leadership refused to bring the measure to the floor for a vote.
“Despite today’s significant victories for rural America, in the end, I could not vote for a bill that would give Arkansas less money to protect its citizens. As we saw on September 11th, terrorists can and will strike anywhere. We must make sure all of our communities are ready regardless of their size or potential risks.” |
