industry issues

Update on the Homeland Security Front

AAA Action…

On November 25, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Homeland Security Act of 2002, ending the contentious debate and creating a new Department of Homeland Security, combining the functions of all or part of twenty-two different government agencies.

The AAA and its members have worked diligently throughout the year to support our Nation’s effort to develop a better system for responding to national emergencies and to reduce the threat from acts of terrorism. We have sought to focus the attention of Washington policymakers on the role played by AAA members in emergency response and mutual aid and we are pleased that our efforts have resulted in language in both the Bioterrorism Preparedness Act (Public Law 107-188) and the Homeland Security Act (Public Law 107-296) that recognizes the important role played by non-government or private sector ambulance service providers.

The Senate also attempted to pass legislation during the 107th Congress that would have established a First Responders Grant Program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). S. 2664, the First Responder Terrorism Preparedness Act of 2002, was introduced by Senator James Jeffords (I-VT) and would have established a program to provide assistance to enhance the ability of first responders to respond to incidents of terrorism, including incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, it would have required that not less than 75 percent of the assistance granted each State be provided to local governments and entities within the State. S. 2664 was reported favorably out of Committee and was placed on the Senate Calendar; however, it was not voted on before adjournment. The House had no similar legislation. During meetings with staff of the Senate and House committees of jurisdiction, we were able to reinforce our message that all first responders should have access to the grant funds.

During the 108th Congress, it is likely that the House and Senate will begin authorizing programs for the new Department to implement. As the committees of jurisdiction convene and begin drafting legislation, we will turn our attention towards ensuring that AAA members will be eligible for programmatic funding. Our groundwork during the 107th Congress will provide an excellent springboard to ensure our success.

In addition, we have actively sought a “place at the table” for the AAA with Washington policymakers in Congress, at FEMA, the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Homeland Security. We want our members to have up-to-date information on how the formation of the Department of Homeland Security will affect them. The following information comes out of our efforts to be a part of this important national debate.

First Responder Initiative - Points of interest from the FEMA Stakeholders meeting on Emergency Funding held October 25, in Washington and attended by AAA staff:

• Funding provided under the FY2002 Emergency Supplemental will be used by states to update State Emergency Plans ($100 million); establish process to assess vulnerabilities and improve State and Local Emergency Operations Centers ($56 million); form Citizen Corps Councils, expand Community Emergency Response Teams, and for additional training ($25 million);
• Purchase new secure communications equipment ($7 million); and develop a National Mutual Aid System ($5 million)
• Guidance for grants under the supplemental was provided by October 11 letter to state Points of Contact
• FEMA and DOJ have agreed that FEMA funds under the Emergency Supplemental will be used for planning (to update state emergency plans) and DOJ funds will be used for exercises and equipment
• 75% of funds must be passed on to the local level--states have up to 90 days to do so but FEMA and DOJ will monitor closely and encourage faster action when possible
• It is critical that stakeholders work with state and local emergency management points of contact to ensure accurate information flow and active participation and input into programs. FEMA strongly emphasized the need for stakeholders to get involved locally. Use the AAA "Best Practices" document as your blueprint for action.
• FEMA wants input from first responders through local and state governments to insure better planning and a better response system
• The emergency supplemental funding is the first allotment of what is expected to grow into the $1.8 billion First Responder Initiative announced by the Bush Administration for FY2003. Congress has postponed action on funding for FY2003 until January 2003.
• Future funding will address the need for support of Mutual Aid planning and exercises

Anyone needing further details should contact Tristan North at tnorth@the-aaa.org. We also want to encourage AAA members to become members of the Citizen Corps Councils in the states. You can find out more about how the council's functions at this address www.citizencorps.gov.