U.S. Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., has joined U.S. Rep. Will Hurd’s, R-Texas, push for more federal funds for counterterrorism efforts in cities across the nation.
Demings and her fellow Central Florida Democrat U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy signed on a letter Hurd sent to U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, and U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., the ranking Democrat on that subcommittee, urging more funding to the Urban Area Security Initiative.
Demings weighed in at the end of last week on why these funds were needed and pointed to her background in law enforcement.
“As the first line of defense, it is critical that local law enforcement agencies are equipped to detect, prevent and effectively respond to any enemy that threatens the safety of their citizens,” said Demings. “At the time of the 9/11 attacks I was commander of the Orlando Police Department Airport Division at the Orlando International Airport, and saw firsthand how these funds could be used to make sure local law enforcement is prepared to prevent, and respond to threats.”
While currently 29 cities are eligible for federal funds in the program, Demings, Hurd and Murphy insist other cities--Cincinnati, Cleveland, Honolulu, Kansas City, New Orleans, Orlando Sacramento, San Antonio and Virginia Beach-Norfolk--are vulnerable to terrorist attacks and should get more funds.
Demings pointed to the Pulse attack and Orlando’s high tourism traffic as to why the city needed more federal funds.
“As the site of the deadliest mass shooting in the nation’s history, and as the number one tourist destination in our nation, there is no question Orlando should be on the list of cities that receive federal support to fight terrorism,” said Demings.
Hurd sent the letter earlier this month to Carter and Roybal-Allard.
“While we strongly agree that UASI funding must remain focused on the areas under the greatest threat and at the greatest risk, we are concerned that cities and urban areas that have experienced lapses in this crucial funding risk losing the increased capacity and capabilities created with prior UASI funds,” the representatives wrote. “These capabilities can erode if planning is not updated, equipment is not maintained, refresher trainings are not provided, and exercises are not repeated.”
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