Homeland Democrats Write DHS Secretary Noem After Trump Administration Creates Mass Confusion on Critical Homeland Security Grants
“Americans deserve better than being governed by concepts of a plan”
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Committee Democrats sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on the Trump Administration’s confusing plans for critical homeland security grants that Congress has funded in law.
This week, after the administration rescinded – and a judge blocked – an Office of Management and Budget memorandum ordering agencies to stop disbursements of grants, Noem added to the chaos by saying on Fox News that the Department of Homeland Security had in fact stopped grants to non-governmental organizations. Days later, DHS still has not clarified her statement or assured the public the Department will honor its funding obligations.
Letter excerpts:
“Since 9/11, DHS grants to State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments and nonprofits have been integral to protecting communities against terrorist attacks, securing houses of worship, helping people respond to natural disasters, securing our cyber networks, and providing police and firefighters necessary equipment. Leaving grantees in limbo while the administration determines what its own policies mean is irresponsible, and freezing these funds makes our communities less safe. Americans deserve better than being governed by concepts of a plan.”
“We urge you to reject President Trump’s reckless efforts to withhold these critical grant funds and reassure the American people that, as Secretary, you will support homeland security grants our constituents rely on.”
# # #
Next Article Previous Article