Houston Democrats

What's At Stake! Tell Congress - Put Emergency Responders First

The alarming decline in first responder funding from the federal government combined with the FRC's new estimate that first responders will be under-funded by $100.2 billion by 2008 raise troubling concerns about the security of America's homeland. The First Response Coalition believes now is the time for dedicated action to help first responders meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The funding commitment promised in the public pronouncements of our elected officials must be real. It is simply wrong for policymakers to promise needed funds to first responders and then fail to deliver. This puts communities and first responders that protect them in danger. As Congress embarks on the 2006 budget process, first responders must receive increases in appropriations, not the reductions contained in the budget documents. The money should flow directly to the communities. It is the responsibility of both political parties to live up to their promises.

In this time of budget deficits, the FRC understands the need for financial sacrifice. However, it is far worse for first responders to expect to receive needed funds and then discover the money is not coming than to be informed that it is just not possible to fund a certain program in a given year. At least with honesty about budget shortfalls, first responders are not waiting on resources that will never arrive and they can plan accordingly.

Federal leaders must make sufficient funds available to first responder needs in hiring new officers, achieving communications interoperability, and purchasing new equipment. The FRC will vigorously pursue all opportunities to ensure first responders receive the resources they require to continue protecting our communities at the outstanding level of service all Americans have come to expect.