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Summary:
Congress has supported a limited number of programs specifically designed to assist state and local governments with homeland security activities. Some programs assist first responders with preparing for terrorist attacks, particularly those involving weapons of mass destruction. In addition, Congress has authorized several general assistance programs that states and localities may use for terrorism preparedness. The Department of Homeland Security administers most of the assistance programs, and on August 3, 2007, Congress enacted P.L. 110-53, the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, which changes the distribution methods the Department of Homeland Security uses to allocate the funding for most of these programs. P.L. 110-53 requires the department to allocate homeland security grants based on risk from FY2008 through FY2012. On December 26, 2007, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-161) and the act required the department to allocate the FY2008 state and local homeland security assistance programs as required by P.L. 110-53. In addition to the Department of Homeland Security, other agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Energy, and Justice administer programs that provide various kinds of homeland security assistance. Congress authorizes these assorted programs to provide help in a variety of forms, including grants, training, technical assistance, equipment, and exercises. Most of the programs focus on assisting state and local first responders -- such as fire service, emergency medical service, and law enforcement personnel -- prepare for potential attacks. Some observers believe that with the threat of bioterrorism, public health officials should also be considered first responders. This report will be updated as congressional or executive actions warrant.
