Murray says 'no' to new DHS grant requirements

Sep 09, 2008

A new bill introduced in the Senate would prevent the federal government from requiring states to match funding they receive from Department of Homeland Security grants.

According to Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, DHS will require, as early as next year, that states, cities and counties match at least 25 percent of funding received from the State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative. In some instances, a government body would have to come up with an in-kind match to receive the grants. The two grants (.pdf file) awarded more than $1.6 billion in funds for fiscal year 2008.

On Aug. 1, Murray introduced the Homeland Security Partners Preservation Act of 2008 (S. 3424), which would give Congress – not DHS – the authority to approve any new matching requirement.

"During these tough economic times, our state and local governments are already struggling to provide even basic services to their constituents," Murray said in a statement. "Forcing them to now come up with millions for homeland security – without careful consideration of the costs – is irresponsible and unrealistic."

The bill was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.