Homeland Security
First Responders
Congressman Lynch continues to advocate for the resources necessary to support our First Responders. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) continue to be critical resources for local Fire Departments. From 2002-10, communities in the Ninth Congressional District received a total of approximately $7 million. These funds have been vital for helping the departments purchase new vehicles and equipment, upgrade facilities, and provide personal protective equipment and training and fitness programs for their firefighters.
Congressman Lynch was proud to join with 332 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives to push back against devastating cuts that had been proposed to FIRE and SAFER grants in the Fiscal Year 2012 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. He voted to provide an additional $320 Million for both of these vital grant programs for Fiscal Year 2012.
Port Security
Port security is a critical component of America’s homeland defense preparedness and Congressman Lynch maintains his effort to safeguard our seaports against a potential terrorist attack. With the support of Congressman Lynch and the Massachusetts Delegation, the Port of Boston has received more than $13.7 million through the highly successful Port Security Grant Program between Fiscal Years 2002-2010, to improve security around the port and protect maritime commerce, port related business, and the residents of the Commonwealth from water-borne threats.
FEMA
With major floods, violent tornadoes and crippling storms, our nation has experienced a difficult year with regard to natural disasters. Massachusetts has had its share from tornadoes in western part of the state, to Hurricane Irene and the October 2011 snowstorm. Congressman Lynch has stood with the delegation in support of getting Massachusetts the federal assistance it has needed to recover from these severe events. He is also a steadfast supporter of ensuring that FEMA has the funding it needs to address ongoing and future disaster relief efforts both in Massachusetts and across the country.