Senator Menendez: Senators Applaud Additional Homeland Security Funding In New Jersey

Menendez, Lautenberg Announce Increases in Transit, Port Security Funding Levels

August 16, 2007 -- Washington, DC -- United States Senators Robert Menendez and Frank R. Lautenberg today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has released additional funding for New Jersey's transit and port security needs, as well as funding to support comprehensive state and local emergency management. The funds were included as part of the 2007 supplemental appropriations bill, the Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007, which passed the Senate in May.

“I am proud to have worked with my fellow Democrats in the Senate to heed the call put forth by our nation's security personnel and provide more adequate funding for key homeland security needs,” said Menendez. “Homeland security should be our top priority, as an attack on our port or transit systems would send ripple effects through our nation's economy, these funds are crucial not just to New Jersey, but to the nation.”

“The Bush Administration's budget priorities have left New Jersey's security needs underfunded for years. This Congress is helping New Jersey finally get the security money we need to protect ourselves,” Senator Frank R. Lautenberg said. “I'm proud to help get these additional funds to secure New Jersey's bridges, tunnels, ports and rail systems. I will continue to use my position on the Appropriations Committee to continue this Congress' commitment to homeland security, and fight for the funding we need to keep our residents safe.”

The funding announced today by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) increases the totals previously announced in May by DHS, and are a significant increase over Fiscal Year 2006 funds. The announcement includes:

* $14.8 million in port security funding to NY/NJ (in addition to the $23.7 million announced in May, for a total of $42.16 million, and up from $25.7 million in FY06)

* $37.2 million for transit security for NY/NJ/CT (in addition to the $61 million announced in May, for a total of $98.2 million, and up from $53.8 million in FY06)

* $1.25 million in Emergency Management Performance Grants, to help aid state and local planning and preparedness efforts.

Source: Senator Robert Menendez