| Although the Constitution delegates to Congress the power and responsibility to provide for the common defense, most of the responsibility for providing homeland defense rests with state and local governments. Governors, with the support of the federal government and local jurisdictions, are responsible for ensuring the ability of state, territorial, and local authorities to deal with natural disasters and other types of major emergencies, including a terrorist incident. State homeland security efforts (infrastructure assets, people resources, and coordination) are critical components of the National Strategy for Homeland Security.
NGA Position
NGA policy and positions with regard to Homeland Security issues are guided by the following principles. - There should be a base capacity in every state, which means that every state should receive some funds.
- The Department of Homeland Security should provide guidance to states for developing equipment and training standards for adequate levels of protection and preparedness.
- There should be flexibility in the allowable uses of grant funds.
- Governors and other high-ranking state and territorial officials need to receive timely and critical intelligence information related to terrorist threats.
- The traditional first responder programs that existed prior to September 11, 2001 should continue to be funded.
- There should be predictable and sustainable long-term funding of homeland security programs.
- All federal funding, resources, programs and activities involving state and local governments must be coordinated through the nation?s Governors for maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
- The role of the business community and the impact on the economic viability of a community when faced with recovery from a terrorist attack must be considered.
Policy Reference:
EC-05. Homeland Security Comprehensive Policy Resources:
Committee Letters:
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Letter
October 19, 2004 letter (from Governor Romney and Governor Minner) to Senator Collins and conferees identifying NGA's positions on first responder grant provisions in the House and Senate intelligence reform bills.
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Letter
November 20, 2003 letter (from Governor Minner and Governor Romney) to Chairman Cox providing comments on several provisions in first responder grant program authorization legislation (H.R. 3266)
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Letter
June 26, 2003 letter (from the executive directors of six state and local government organizations) to Senator Collins in support of several provisions in her First Responder grants legislation (S. 1245)
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Letter
March 27, 2003 letter (from Governor Patton and Governor Kempthorne) to the House and Senate leadership urging them to provide at least $5.5 billion in funds for first responder needs in the supplemental appropriations bill. (Identical letter also sent to House and Senate Appropriations Committees and Homeland Security Subcommittees)
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Letter
March 14, 2003 letter (from Governor Patton and Governor Kempthorne) to the President expressing appreciation for the prompt funding for first responders this year and asking him to request that Congress include adequate funding in any supplemental appropriations bill.
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Letter
April 2, 2003 letter (from NGA executive director Ray Scheppach) to the House and Senate leadership addressing concerns raised about states' ability to obligate homeland security funds appropriated by Congress.
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