Senator Collins has been a strong advocate for Maine's first responders, fighting hard to ensure that the State's firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, and emergency managers have the resources and support necessary to protect our lives and property from all-hazards. She has been honored by numerous organizations for her leadership on first responder issues, including the National Emergency Management Association and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
Homeland Security Assistance
As the former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Senator Collins has worked hard to enhance, and sustain funding for, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) first responder grant programs. She has successfully authored legislation that authorizes and increases funding for DHS's major grant programs, including the State Homeland Security Grant Program, the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP), the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program, the Port Security Grant Program, and the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). Since 2001, because of Senator Collins' efforts, DHS has awarded more than $140 million to Maine to help ensure that its first responders are prepared to stop terrorists before they strike and to respond to any emergency, whether they are natural or manmade. Indeed, in 2007 alone, Maine received more than $25 million in funding, including more than $5 million in funding under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (Fire Act Grants).
Fire Service
Senator Collins has been a longtime and vigorous advocate for America's fire service. She serves as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. She has authored or co-sponsored many important fire service laws, including legislation to re-authorize the U.S. Fire Administration and to establish the Fire Act Grant Program and CEDAP as well as a resolution to honor America's fallen firefighters. Moreover, Senator Collins has tirelessly sought increased funding for fire service programs, such as the Fire Act Grant and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Act Grant Programs.
Law Enforcement
Senator Collins has played a leading role in enhancing the capabilities of the nation's law enforcement community. For example, Senator Collins co-authored the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which established an information sharing network to break down the stovepipes impeding the flow of law enforcement information from the Federal government to State and local governments. Moreover, she co-authored the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act, which strengthened State and local fusion centers and established the new DHS position of Assistant Secretary for State and Local Law Enforcement. She has also consistently supported increased funding for the Byrne/JAG, COPS, and LETPP grant programs.
Emergency Management
In 2006, Senator Collins led an eight-month investigation by the Homeland Security Committee into the failed preparations for and response to Hurricane Katrina. Following this comprehensive investigation, Senator Collins successful authored landmark legislation reinventing and strengthening the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by, among other things, elevating the position of the FEMA Administrator within DHS, clarifying that the Administrator should serve as the President's principal advisor on emergency management issues, establishing an Office of Emergency Communications to help ensure that first responders and government officials can communicate with one another on demand, in real time, during emergencies, and authorized substantial increases in funding for FEMA to rebuild its capabilities.
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