First Responder Initiative: Policy Issues and Options (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Sept. 29, 2003 |
| Report Number |
RL31475 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Ben Canada, Government and Finance Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
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Summary:
In its FY2004 budget request, the Bush Administration proposed a new grant program called the 'First Responder Initiative' to help first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. Under the proposal, the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), within the Department of Homeland Security, would administer the $3.6 billion program. The programs primary purpose would be to improve the ability of first responders (including police, firefighters, emergency medical, and hazardous materials personnel) to respond to terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction. The program would fund a range of activities in the areas of planning, training, exercises, and equipment. The Administration proposal is one of several proposals to restructure first responder preparedness grants before the 108th Congress. Recently, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved S. 1245, the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2003, which seeks to simplify and streamline existing grant programs for first responder preparedness. Among other things, the bill authorizes a formula grant to states and localities for a broad range of preparedness activities. Other introduced bills propose different methods of distribution, ranges of eligible activities, and matching requirements. Examples of introduced bills include H.R. 1389, H.R. 1449, S. 87/H.R. 1007, S. 466, and S. 930. Restructuring proposals have also been included in House and Senate homeland security appropriations bills (H.R. 2555).
