The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in the FY 2007 Budget Request released Monday by the White House, is again seeking funding at less than the appropriation in FY 2006.
President Bush's request for the Department of Homeland Security where the grant program resides, includes just $293 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (FIRE Act) down from the $545 million appropriated by Congress last year.
In addition, there is no money earmarked for the SAFER Act or Fire Prevention grants. The President's request for Citizens Corps is $35 million. Last year, it was funded at $20 million.
For FY 2006 Congress appropriated, and President Bush signed into law, $655 million covering SAFER and Fire Prevention Grants along with the AFG program.
The reduction in money available to fire departments nationwide is of concern, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) said they will be asking Congress to increase the funding appropriately as has been regularly done in past years.
"We will be attending hearings and working with other fire service organizations to let Congress know how important these programs are," said David Finger, NVFC legislative liaison.
Last Saturday, Congressman Curt Weldon (R-Pa.), Vice Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and founder of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, joined firefighters in his state to kick off the 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. According to his communications director John Tomaszewski, the Congressman will go back to the halls and fight for the money again. "The Congressman is disappointed to see we have a serious grant program that is not being funded. It can ease some of the burdens facing fire departments throughout the country. Congressman Weldon renews his commitment to see it funded as it needs to be in the new budget year," Tomasazewski said.
In a prepared statement, International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger called Bush's proposed cut "an incredible display of arrogance."
He vowed to fight the cut. "Every year since 9/11, Republicans and Democrats alike have had to vote to increase funding over and above the insufficient levels proposed by the President for the FIRE Act...We will oce again come to the rescue of the American people and do what's necessary to protect our homeland by ensuring funding for first responders..."
The president's budget plan also drew sharp criticism from Congressman Steny Hoyer.
"Regrettably, the President has once again demonstrated his lack of commitment to providing adequate resources for our nation's career and volunteer firefirefighers. His budget request once again eliminates the SAFER program and drastically reduces funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Taken together, the $293 million provided for these vital grant programs is less than half the amount appropriated last year, and a mere one-tenth the amount authorized by Congress.
"Once again, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, as well as leaders of the fire community, to restore SAFER and Fire Grant funding so that we may honor our obligation to adequately staff, train and equip our nation's fire departments."
During a DHS budget briefing Monday afternoon, officials said about $5.6 billion of 14.6 billion available to states has not been spent. DHS Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson said it's his intention to make it easier for state and local jurisdictions to get the funds they need for certain programs.
Outlining the proposal, Jackson said the agency is looking for a six percent overall increase to address high risk threats and to enhance personnel and technology. "We have much work to do."
Jackson said in addition to boosting security on the water and in the air, preparedness for events including natural disasters is a high priority. Among the requested allocations include:
$5 million for enhancements to the Emergency Alert System. The aim is to provide a two-way national EAS satellite backbone/path that will link federal, state and U.S. territory emergency communications centers. $5.3 million to obtain services and personnel to shorten the response time to an incident of national significance. $10 million for enhanced security at chemical sites. $100 million for technology for border patrol units, and for an additional 3,300 personnel. $60 million to the U.S. Coast Guard to take over air space security in the Nation's Capital.
