Bush Planning To Abolish State Homeland Security Grant Program
It appears that Bush just pulled fast one on his loyal LIEberman. LIEberman, who chairs the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, released the statement below regarding Bush’s plan to scrap a grant program to first responders which Bush had signed into law. The program, know as The State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) was implemented through the Patriot Act. The grants provide states with the additional funds needed to train, equip and educate first responders.
Although the document does not yet appear on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website, it doesn’t surprise me that Bush would go back on his word. What I’m curious about is what will happen to the money that was set aside for the grant program to first responders?
Lieberman Comments On Leaked OMB Document Indicating Elimination Of Major Homeland Security Grant Programs
WASHINGTON – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Monday released the following statement in reaction to news reports the Administration plans to eliminate several homeland security grant programs.
- “A leaked OMB document indicates the Administration is planning to abolish the State Homeland Security Grant Program – the largest source of homeland security resources for training, planning, and equipping state and local first responders – as well as specific grant programs to improve port security, transportation security, communications interoperability, and emergency management planning, and to support firefighters.
- “If true, these proposed cuts would mark a dangerous and disingenuous u-turn in the Administration’s approach to homeland security and first responders.
- “Just months after the President signed into law a bill permanently establishing many of these grant programs, his budget office - with no supporting evidence that these programs aren’t needed - is now considering a wholesale abandonment of them.
- “The administration is asking more and more of states and locals but apparently is unwilling to provide the resources necessary for an expansion of responsibilities. The National Strategy for Homeland Security addresses the key role of state and local law enforcement in preventing terrorism; The National Strategy for Information Sharing cites the importance of state and local intelligence fusion centers. And the Nationwide Plan Review comments on the need for better state and local planning for catastrophes. But state and local officials cannot do this work alone.
- “Eliminating these programs will severely undercut the security gains made in the last five years by our first responders on the front lines of fighting crime and terrorism. The threats we face are not going away, and neither should our defenses. I urge the Administration to reconsider this wrong-headed strategy and continue to invest in the courageous men and women who work every day in towns and cities throughout this country to keep the rest of us safe.”
Filed under: Bush, Homeland Security, Lieberman, OMB, Patriot Act, Politics
I have mixed feelings on this. First its clear that as part of the general quality of life..emergency personal need to be communities. Trained and funded. As part of our safety net of services paid for by our taxes. It also creates jobs in the various fields involved in responding to crisis or disasters. ON the other hand..everything filtered through the distastefully named and treacherous Homeland Security dept is questionable to me. Suspect as the agenda is not as simple as funding first responders. The HSA has alterior motives which include far more than training good emts and fire fighters. We need to get back to a balance and restore social services NOT because we under constant trumped up threats BUT because its the right thing to do for communities. You know what i mean ?
Again too, the moral bankruptsy and lies of BushCo and their version of the shock doctrine and disaster capitalism is exposed. These public services need to be truly public not privitized.
In the meantime Billions have been squandered to private security sectors, contractors, software companies, and all in the name of homeland security with little to show for it but a survaillance society on steroids. A chill has been placed on our civil rights as sm. municipalities awarded grants are doing god knows what with the money. It truly gives me a chill.
ProudP:
When the grant money is awarded to states and municipalities it doesn’t have a caveat of obligations to Homeland Security. It actually does go for projects. Most cities have used the money appropriately and other have squander the money.
I’m a bit confused about “getting back to social services”
If states don’t have money for first responders they surely won’t have money for social services. Grants allow for states to use their tax money for the programs you suggest and not be forced to choose.
For some reason I can not accept that everything or every program that runs through the government is conspiratorial.
well i wish i had drank more coffee before i wrote my comment. Tonight on KO Rachel Maddow said what i was trying to get at - of course she said it perfectly and Keith further clarified it - government has certain jobs to do - to provide for the people. etc. Its a given . They also exponded on the fact that gov entities existed prior to the glomming them into the HSA under one roof , they also took a step further which was absolutely right on - in that the gov. officials ie Tom Ridge immediately turned around and capitalized for personal gains on these questionable , expensive contracts. And finally , that for all those billions , they are spending to survail but not to as Rachal said , make sure the products ie the scanners of cargo containers even work - they don’t. Keith Olbermann’s show is just getting better by the night. And it seems to me that even Mathews is catching on , that people want the truth and makes for better ratings. …..as for the social services…part . I want a return to a government that takes care of its people - that serves them , provides reasonable care, reasonable wages and all of our civil rights. The Neo’s have gutted our social service system - which stresses the population , much like is done with the Shock Doctrine.
All in the name of the “so called war on terror” THE BIG LIE.
ProudP:
Now I get your point.
The war on terror = corporate Americas/NeoCons war on Americans