For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Erica Daughtrey
October 15, 2009                                                                          201-222-2828

Key Funding to Keep New Jersey Safe Included in Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sires supported the Conference Report on H.R. 2892, the fiscal year 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which passed the House by a vote of 307 to 114.   This bill provides funding for a number of critical grant programs that support First Responders and increase security in the United States:  $887 million for Urban Area Grants, $300 million for Transit Grants, $300 million for Port Security Grants, $810 million for Fire Grants and $60 million for Emergency Operations Centers.

“This bill has over $4 billion for Homeland Security grants, and these grants are critical to New Jersey’s 13th District,” said Congressman Sires.  “This funding will go a long way toward improving security in the district.  Through these grants, we ensure that our first responders are adequately prepared to offer us the best protection possible against a range of threats,” added Congressman Sires. 

Funding for H.R. 2892 totals $42.776 billion and also includes $7.7 billion in needed funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  Nearly $1 billion will go towards purchasing and installing explosive detection systems at airports, $110.5 million for surface transportation security, and $122.8 million for TSA to meet the 100-percent air cargo security screening mandates.  The bill also includes $8.8 billion to fund our Coast Guard and $103.4 million for chemical facility security. 

The Conference Report now awaits consideration by the Senate.