SAEN: Dems upset about Homeland Security cuts, request SA hearing

May 25, 2011

By Gary Martin
gmartin@express-news.net

WASHINGTON — Democrats on a homeland security panel requested Tuesday a series of field hearings — including one in San Antonio — on budget cuts that will slash $14.5 million in emergency grants for Texas cities.

San Antonio, Austin and El Paso were singled out last week by the Department of Homeland Security for cuts to grants after Congress axed $780 million from the agency's budget.

"We can see the consequences of the Republican's shortsighted cuts to homeland security spending," said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Democrats are worried that Republican-ordered cuts will further slash homeland security grants in the budget for fiscal 2012, which begins Oct. 1.

Thompson, in a letter, asked Chairman Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., to hold a series of comprehensive field hearings to determine the impact of the cuts to first responders.

Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, a member of the committee, said he requested that one of the hearings be held in San Antonio, which received $4.5 million last year for equipment, training and vehicles.

"I think security is one of the areas we ought to put more priority on," said Cuellar, who noted San Antonio's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, said "House Republicans are proposing to cut resources for state and emergency preparedness next year by 62 percent.

"I oppose eliminating funds upon which our local officials rely to protect us from terrorism," Doggett said.

Funding for Austin and El Paso also were cut, while Dallas and Houston remained on the list to get federal help.

A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman said the cut in state and local preparedness grants would allow the department to focus on more high-risk cities such as Washington and New York.

Read more: https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/article/Dems-upset-about-homeland-security-cuts-request-1394260.php#ixzz1NO5B5AhE