Washington D.C.  -  On behalf of America’s first responders, U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) authored a section of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives yesterday.

 

“Each year, federal grants buy millions of dollars in brand new equipment for our first responders.  The old equipment, which may never even have been used, is discarded.  According to the provisions in the Homeland Security bill, the Homeland Security Department would study the possibility old equipment from first responders and law enforcement could be passed on to other police and fire departments who could use it,” Emerson said.

 

In the past, the possibility of civil liability lawsuits has prevented the equipment from being reused in other jurisdictions. 

 

“America is facing a number of great challenges as we reinforce our homeland security.  It is a waste when perfectly good equipment is discarded while a county sheriff or a rural fire department must make do with older, inferior equipment,” Emerson said.

The study is slated to be completed within six months of the date President Bush signs the bill.