SURE Act Passes Full Committee on Homeland Security

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November 17, 2009 -- WASHINGTON - The Strengthening and Updating Resources and Equipment (SURE) Act, which was introduced by Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy on October 16th, was passed today by the House Committee on Homeland Security.

The SURE Act, which will allow first responders to maintain the capabilities necessary to prepare and protect their communities against acts of terrorism and other emergencies, has gained the support of 25 cosponsors including Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Bennie Thompson.

In addition to endorsements by associations such as the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Governors Association, and the National Emergency Management Association, the bill was recently endorsed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

The International Association of Fire Fighters’ General President, Harold Schaitberger, expressed his strong support of the SURE act in a recent letter to Chairman Bennie G. Thompson. Schaitberger stated, “In these recessionary times, many municipalities have been forced to reduce their budgets for maintenance, jeopardizing the safety of their emergency responders. By making federal funds available for these vital needs, the SURE Act will protect both responders and the citizens they serve.”

Since 2002, state and local governments have utilized the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) and the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to purchase highly-technical homeland security equipment. The equipment has provided first responders with the necessary capabilities to safeguard our communities. Homeland security equipment requires annual maintenance and sustainment in order to remain operational. Accordingly, FEMA has allowed state and local governments to use their annual SHSGP and UASI funding to maintain equipment that was purchased in prior fiscal years.

On September 22, 2009, FEMA sharply reversed course and told state and local governments that they would no longer be allowed to use future SHSGP and UASI funding to keep critical homeland security equipment up-to-date.

“I introduced H.R. 3837 last month after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) told State and local governments that they could not use future fiscal year preparedness grants to keep vital homeland security equipment operational. This decision placed a needless constraint on our first responder community and could present a serious threat to our nation’s security,” said Kilroy. “The SURE Act would bring relief to our emergency responders and assure them that they will have the funds necessary to prepare our nation against any future emergencies or disasters. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this legislation and ensure that the American people are adequately protected.”

The SURE Act has been formally endorsed by, New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, the American Public Works Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters , the National Governors Association, National Association of Counties, and the National Emergency Management Association.

Source: Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy