Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

Rep. Myrick Votes To Provide Priority Assistance To First Responders

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Rep. Sue Myrick (NC-9) voted for  H.R. 1544, The Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005.  This bill provides priority assistance to first responders facing the greatest risk of terrorist attacks by streamlining terrorism preparedness funding. 

 “Making sure that Americans are protected from terrorist attacks is the number one job of the federal government,” said Myrick.  “I voted for this bill because it cuts bureaucratic red tape to make sure that first responders who need funding will receive it without delay.  It also makes sure that homeland security funding will be used wisely and won’t be used for local pork projects that have nothing to do with protecting the public.” 

 The Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005 establishes specific, flexible, and measurable goals for first responders.  It encourages both local and state governments to pool resources so that programs are not receiving overlapping funds.  In addition, the bill also allows connecting states to apply for grants together for regional benefits.   

 The bill will also change how Department of Homeland Security grants are issued.  Grant applications will be required to fit statewide homeland security plans and specify exactly how funds will be spent.  In addition, it will change the way states distribute the grants.  Currently, bureaucracies in states have held up homeland security funding for unknown reasons.  Under this bill, states will be required to make grant awards to first responders within 45 days or face penalties for their delay. 

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