Feds may send more Homeland Security money to states

Congressman Tom Latham says the Republican-led Congress may send more money to states and local government to deal with homeland security issues than was recommended by President Bush. Latham says obviously, when something goes wrong, you don’t call Washington, D.C., you call 9-1-1, so the money needs to go to “first responders” at the local level. Latham sits on the House Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee, and heard this morning from Homeland Security director Tom Ridge. Latham says the federal government will send money to the states for cover some of the extra security that’s been called out because of the higher national alert status. But Latham says states and cities shouldn’t expect the feds to foot the entire bill. Latham says states and cities shouldn’t expect the feds to foot the entire bill. He says there’s a “local responsibility” to bear some of the costs of enhanced security. Latham says while there will be a “dramatic increase” in federal support of so-called first responders like police and fire units, his committee hasn’t settled upon the details or the exact amount yet.