[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>