Champion of First Responders to Lead Security Efforts

House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Democrat Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02) announced today that Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-08) was selected by his colleagues to serve as a ranking Democratic Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology.  As a recognized leader on homeland defense, Rep. Pascrell will oversee the Department's administration of funding to first responders, working to funnel much needed dollars to support those who serve on the front lines: firefighters, police officers and healthcare workers.

"There is no greater task facing our government today than to protect and defend our cities and towns from those who would plan and carry out attacks.  I am honored to serve as a senior member on this most vital committee," said Rep. Pascrell.  "We have made much progress in the fight against terrorist threats but there is still tremendous work to be done.  We must do everything possible to support our first responders."

"Bill Pascrell's effort in Congress has been marked by his dedicated leadership on issues facing our nation's first responders.  He has been a steadfast voice on enhancing our homeland defense," said Congressman Thompson.   "He will bring valuable experience and leadership to this position."

Rep. Pascrell has a close working relationship with newly selected Subcommittee Chairman Peter King (R-NY-03).  Chairman King commented, "I look forward to working in a bipartisan fashion with Congressman Pascrell on homeland security issues facing our nation's first responders and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan region."

"We must put petty differences aside and work in a bipartisan manner - because the stakes could not be higher," contined Rep. Pascrell.  "Most of our airports, harbors and rail systems remain vulnerable to terrorist attacks.  Failing to do so is simply not an option and sets a most dangerous precedent."

Rep. Pascrell is a nationally recognized leader in Congress on fighting for federal funding for the nation's first responders.  His landmark "Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act," or "FIRE Bill," introduced in March of 1999 and signed in to law in 2000 by President Clinton, was the first comprehensive national legislation dedicated to meet the needs of America's 32,000 volunteer, paid and part-paid fire departments.

"I will continue to stress that the federal government cannot merely dictate new mandates to the states and local communities.  Our homeland security upgrades must come from the bottom-up.  Those on the ground everyday protecting our citizens have an open line of communication, have input on key decisions, and always have a seat at the table."

Long before the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Pascrell "FIRE Act" created the Assistance to Firefighter Program, the first-ever, competitive federal grant program to deliver desperately needed resources directly to local fire departments and the taxpayers they protect.  Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and modeled after the successful COPS program, the grants can be used to fund training, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment for firefighters, and wellness and fitness programs.   Since its enactment, the Pascrell Assistance to Firefighter Program has awarded $2.6 billion to local first responders across America.

 "I came to Congress committed to ending the days when firefighters were the forgotten part of the public safety equation, and we have accomplished that mission, Pascrell said.  "First responders have an ever-increasing role to play in securing our homeland, and I intend to ensure that the Congress' policy and funding decisions in the area of Homeland Security reflect that new reality."

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