[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 78 Introduced in House (IH)]







108th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 78

Expressing support for emergency first responders and States and local 
  communities, which are on the front lines of the Nation's homeland 
                                defense.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 13, 2003

   Mr. Skelton (for himself and Ms. Harman) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
                             Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for emergency first responders and States and local 
  communities, which are on the front lines of the Nation's homeland 
                                defense.

Whereas since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the men and women who 
        serve as police officers, firefighters, and emergency services and 
        public health personnel (commonly known as ``first responders'') and 
        States and local communities across the Nation have found themselves on 
        the front lines of homeland defense in the war against terrorism on 
        United States soil;
Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes that first responders and States 
        and local communities have been forced to bear almost all of the 
        financial burden that accompanies this responsibility;
Whereas it is inappropriate for first responders and States and local 
        communities to bear this responsibility alone;
Whereas Congress has provided initial support for homeland security through the 
        appropriation of funds to help first responders and States and local 
        communities improve homeland defense, but the House of Representatives 
        recognizes that not all of these resources have yet reached first 
        responders and States and local communities;
Whereas in addition to the homeland security funding that Congress has already 
        appropriated, additional homeland security resources are needed by first 
        responders and States and local communities;
Whereas homeland security responsibilities must be assumed by first responders 
        in addition to their traditional duties, but increased funds have not 
        been provided for additional personnel or personnel hours or specialized 
        training and equipment;
Whereas, in addition to the new sources of funding that are required for for 
        homeland security missions, full funding of first responder programs and 
        activities must encompass funding of traditional Federal programs, 
        including the COPS program and the grant program commonly known as the 
        FIRE Act program, which have greatly benefited the people of the United 
        States by helping first responders reduce crime and prevent and respond 
        to fires and other emergencies; and
Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes that homeland defense will only 
        be as strong as the weakest link at the State and local levels and that 
        the home front will be better prepared and the United States will be 
        stronger if first responders and States and local communities have the 
        resources and tools that they need to bolster emergency preparedness and 
        response efforts: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that 
Congress should fully fund first responder programs, including 
providing the substantial additional resources that are required to 
assist States and local communities and first responders in making the 
homeland defense of the United States as strong as possible.
                                 <all>