FY2006 Homeland Security Grant Guidance Distribution Formulas: Issues for the 109th Congress

Publication Date: December 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

In FY2003 and FY2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allocated State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP) funding based on a formula that consisted of guaranteeing each state a 0.75% amount of total program appropriations. The Department of Homeland Security chose to allocate the remainder of appropriations based on the state's population percentage of the national population. In FY2005, Congress required the Department of Homeland Security to allocate funding in the same manner as in FY2004. Congress, in P.L. 109-90 (FY2006 Department of Homeland Security appropriations), legislated similar allocation guidance as in the FY2003 and FY2004 appropriations. In FY2006, DHS decided it will allocate funding to states based on risk and need, rather than on population.

This report summarizes the distribution method the Department of Homeland Security expects to use in allocating FY2006 state and local homeland security grant funding. Additionally, it discusses some potential issues associated with the department's new grant allocation guidance. The report does not discuss administrative changes to the department's homeland security programs beyond the changes to the distribution method.

This report will be updated when congressional- or executive-branch actions warrant.