(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin, a member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, today announced the results of a Homeland Security assessment he commissioned of each city and town in Rhode Island's Second Congressional District. 
 
 The survey highlighted what local first responders and elected officials believe are the greatest barriers to providing first rate homeland security. Langevin also detailed legislative initiatives he will support in an effort to address their concerns and provide additional resources to secure Rhode Island's hometowns.
       
 Those responding to the survey reported the following, in order of importance, as their top priorities:  additional police personnel (17%), additional fire personnel (15%) increased communications technology (13%), improved water supply security (11%) and overtime pay, infrastructure security and port security (tied with 9%).
 
“Homeland security truly is hometown security, therefore I felt it necessary to determine what my local first responders need to keep their communities safe,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.  “This survey was a critical first step to understanding the needs of Rhode Island’s hometowns, and what role my colleagues and I can play in ensuring those needs are met.  Based on what I’ve learned from these surveys, I’m taking several actions in Congress to respond to my constituents’ concerns.”
 
 In response to the findings, Langevin will support a number of legislative measures aimed at strengthening homeland security efforts here in Rhode Island.  Langevin has helped to draft the Preparing America to Respond Effectively (PREPARE) Act, a package of initiatives to more effectively meet the needs of first responders. 

 Langevin has also written Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge sharing the results of his survey and seeking assistance in several areas, including information-sharing, communications technology and training.  In an effort to increase federal funding to local cities and towns, Langevin has sought to bolster the FIRE grant program and urged full funding of the COPS Program. 

 Langevin has also co-sponsored two pieces of legislation: one that would reimburse state and local governments when heightened threat alerts result in increased expenditures for personnel and equipment; and a bill to double first responder grant funding and expedite the distribution of federal funds.
 
 "Cities play a critical role as first responders when it comes to homeland security," said Mayor Cicilline.  "We spend millions of dollars for emergency preparedness at a time when most cities can least afford the additional burden.  I commend Congressman Langevin for taking a leadership role in fighting to ensure cities like Providence have the resources they need protect their citizens."
 
 "We are indeed grateful for Congressman Langevin's efforts and the House Select Committee on Homeland Security for this comprehensive study to assist first-line responders nationwide," said Providence Police Chief Dean M. Esserman.  "Congressman Langevin fully appreciates the necessity to analyze the existing resources of law enforcement, and recommend improvements. We are extremely fortunate for his dedication and perseverance in this important endeavor."
 
        "On behalf of the men and women of the Providence Fire Department, we applaud Congressman Langevin's work within the House Select Committee and we look forward to his continued diligence on behalf of firefighters everywhere to better secure and safeguard our cities," said Acting Providence Fire Chief Gary E. Mulcahy.
 
The results of the survey will provide Langevin and other Washington lawmakers a comprehensive resource with which to advocate for specific funding requests and other initiatives to better equip our local communities.
 
“The survey responses will also serve as a blueprint for the issues I will focus on through my work on the Homeland Security Committee,” added Langevin.  “Just as importantly, I wanted to build a network of homeland security experts in my district who I can reach out to when I need advice or feedback - over 50 people from all over my district responded to my survey, and now I know I can turn to them for expert input in the future.”
 
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A complete copy of the survey may be found on Congressman Langevin’s web site at http://www.house.gov/langevin/hssurvey092203.pdf