WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Thursday, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee and Ranking Member Joe Lieberman (D-CT) will hold the second in a series of hearings to examine how the federal government can more efficiently and effectively provide first responders with the federal assistance they need.
Among its various missions, the Department of Homeland Security is charged with coordinating and issuing federal grants to help states, communities, and first responders protect the homeland. Yet local police and fire officials say that many of these programs are so complex and restrictive they fail to meet their agencies’ needs. At Thursday’s hearing, Secretary Tom Ridge will discuss the ongoing challenges involved in providing federal resources to states and localities and first responders.
In addition, Senator Collins will outline her legislative proposal to streamline and strengthen homeland security grant programs.
WHAT: Hearing on “Investing in Homeland Security: Streamlining and Enhancing Homeland Security Grant Programs”
WHEN: 10 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2003
WHERE: Room SD-342, Dirksen Senate Office Building
WITNESS: The Honorable Tom Ridge, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security