Home Opinion In My Opinion Letter: Threat to Homeland Security funding ‘outrageous’

Letter: Threat to Homeland Security funding ‘outrageous’

It defies understanding that congressional gridlock is threatening funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

The threat level of terrorist attack increases every day, with an internet threat on a mall in Wisconsin just the latest example. That Congress will not approve funding for DHS due to some ridiculous political squabbling is simply outrageous. The lives of the citizens of the United States are at stake.

A halt in funding for the Department of Homeland Security would also imperil the substantial funding Suffolk County receives for its joint law enforcement efforts with DHS. Grants from DHS to various county departments including Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services and the Suffolk County Police Department are estimated at nearly $8 million in 2014. That funding is a substantial help to Suffolk County in mounting its successful law enforcement efforts. A DHS shutdown could cut continued funding that is essential to public safety.

It is time for Washington to act and to act now. We are under direct threat and we need to provide the maximum protection our residents expect and deserve. I never thought I’d hear myself saying this, but if Congress does not act, throw the bums out.

DuWayne Gregory,
presiding officer
Suffolk County Legislature

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