Homeland Security
A huge Washington bureaucracy has been created in response to the 2001 attacks, but it seems like the priorities are lost. It seems like we are wasting million of dollars on a new government agency and missing opportunities to support local 1st
responders.
When there is a fire, who do you call? 911.
When you see a car accident a wild fire or a natural disaster, who do you call? 911. When the attacks in 2001 occurred, who did people call? 911.
If something happens, people need to know that the 1st responders on the other end of the 911 call have the personnel, equipment and training to respond.
As Mayor, my most important responsibility was to protect the public. I was privileged to work with an outstanding police department and Chief of Police. Our police department, like every police department post 9-11, worked tirelessly to develop coordinated plans and prepare for integrated emergency responses. Working with fire and rescue services, emergency response organizations like the Red Cross, and other police agencies the community continues to focus on the right priorities.
Planning efforts covered everything from bio-chemical training,
health emergency drills and weather-related emergencies. Local elected officials are eager to get all the tools and training – much of it is provided by the federal government.
Unfortunately, other federal funding like the COPS grant that funds the hiring of new police officers has been cut when more officers on the streets is exactly what we need.
The 6th Congressional District covers a vast geographic area within a short distance to the nation’s capital and valuable ports in Baltimore. We are home to approximately 750,000 people, Fort Detrick, Camp David, the National Fire Academy, FEMA, to name a few highlights. Local governments cannot pay for the additional security for these potential targets on the backs of local property taxes.
In Congress, I will support:
- Block grants paid directly to target-rich communities
- Restoration of the COPS-type grant program to hire 100,000 new police officers and 100,000 new firefighters/EMTs
- Additional port security officers and improved screening process
- Additional border security officers
- Removal of FEMA from Department of Homeland Security
- Redeployment of National Guard to home states in 2009
- Restoration of National Guard assets used during Iraq War
