First Responder Grant Formulas: The 9/11 Commission Recommendation and Other Options for Congressional Action

Publication Date: August 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Social conditions

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Abstract:

The Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), now consolidated with the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for administering grant programs that assist first responders (including firefighters, law enforcement personnel, emergency managers, and emergency medical service personnel) in homeland security activities. These assistance programs, such as the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP), Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE), and Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG), provide federal funding to assist in the purchase of equipment, training, exercises, and planning.

In FY2003 and FY2004, Congress appropriated a combined total of $7.8 billion for first responder grant programs. The Administration's FY2005 budget request proposes $3.4 billion for these programs. H.R. 4567 (approved by the House of Representatives on June 18, 2004) proposes $3.7 billion, and S. 2537 proposes $3.5 billion. Even though a significant amount of money has been appropriated to assist state and local first responders, however, some observers argue that issues associated with program funding have decreased these programs' effectiveness.

On July 22, 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the 9/11 Commission) issued The 9/11 Commission Report. On page 396 of the report, the 9/11 Commission recommends that federal homeland security assistance be distributed to state and local governments based on risk and vulnerability. According to the report, the risk and vulnerability assessments should consider population, population density, vulnerability, and the presence of critical infrastructure within each state.

The issues examined in this report include proposed alternative funding formulas for first responder grant programs and reported administrative problems that may be responsible for significant delays in grant funds being used by state and local governments. The report discusses options Congress may consider in evaluating these issues.

This report summarizes how DHS currently administers these programs, the formulas used in allocating funds to states and localities, and actions DHS has taken to reduce delays in funding. It also summarizes the 9/11 Commission's recommendation for state and local homeland security funding.

This report will be updated if congressional or executive actions warrant.