[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    FIRST RESPONDERS ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, protecting the security of our 
communities requires that we have an adequate number of first 
responders, who form our first line of response to any terrorist 
attacks. But right now, there are law enforcement agencies all over the 
country who are being forced to turn back federal grants to hire 
additional law enforcement officers because they do not have the money 
to cover the local requirement.
  During a time when our nation seems its most vulnerable and under its 
greatest threat, we have the responsibility to ensure that everyday 
Americans are safe and secure. We must protect and defend our cities at 
home during these troubling times by investing in first responders and 
providing local law enforcement with adequate manpower and resources to 
prevent any future attacks.
  The Universal Hiring Program (UHP) is one of several programs 
developed by COPS to increase the number of officers on the beat. This 
program enables interested agencies to supplement their current sworn 
forces through three-year federal grants. Under current law, these 
grants cover up to 75 percent of the approved entry-level salary and 
benefits of each newly hired additional officer position over three 
years. There is a maximum of $75,000 per officer over the three-year 
grant period. A minimum 25 percent local match is required.
  Although current law does allow for waivers of the local matching 
requirement may be requested under UHP due to extreme fiscal hardship, 
these waivers are rarely granted. One city in my district, Salem, 
Oregon, has had to decline four COPS Universal Hiring Program grants 
this year because they were unable to come up with the matching funds 
required by the program. Considering the budget crisis is resulting in 
police layoffs, this money is needed now more than ever to ensure that 
police agencies have the first responders needed to keep our 
communities safe and protect our homeland.
  I am introducing legislation that would provide for a temporary two-
year waiver of the local matching requirement for the Universal Hiring 
Program COPS grants. The maximum contribution of the federal government 
would also be raised to $150,000 over the three-year grant program. 
Finally, my legislation would waive the retention requirement during 
this two year waiver, so that law enforcement jurisdictions can hire 
officers without worrying about how they will pay them once the money 
runs out.
  This legislation would provide law enforcement agencies with the 
resources they need to meet federal homeland security mandates during 
this time of increased threats and budget crises. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in supporting the First Responders Enhancement Act.

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