Schumer to Chertoff: More anti-terror funds for high-risk cities or Congress will require them

[DeepModem Mom]

NY Post: CHUCK 'TERROR' THREAT: MORE FUNDS - OR ELSE
By IKIMULISA LIVINGSTON and GEOFF EARLE

January 8, 2007 -- Sen. Charles Schumer yesterday blasted the latest formula for allocating anti-terror funds to high-risk cities, and told the Department of Homeland Security that if it doesn't revise the process, the new Senate and House will.

"DHS has a history of delusion," said Schumer (D-N.Y.). "Once again, shortchanging our city, the nation's No. 1 terrorist target."

After being criticized for giving money to popcorn factories and petting zoos instead of high-profile sites like the Brooklyn Bridge, Homeland Security changed its formula for allocating funding. Yet, Schumer said, it still stiffs New Yorkers.

For 2007, a pool of $746 million will be distributed to areas considered to be at risk. Fifty-five percent will to go the six most at-risk urban areas, including New York City....

"If Secretary Chertoff is unwilling to overhaul the current system so that the funding formula is really based on risk, in this new Senate and this new House, we will push legislation to require him to do so."

http://www.nypost.com/seven/01082007/news/regionalnews/chuck_terror_threat__more_funds___or_else_regionalnews_ikimulisa_livingston_and_geoff_earle.htm

[illinoisprogressive]

1. Chertoff has turned DHS into a siphon for bush cronies and has

made it an ineffectual laughing stock. But, I suppose that is what he was hired to do.

[Hekate]

2. About damn time

Very encouraging -- thanks for the post DMM!

My own town may not seem a likely terrorist target, yet we are 100 miles north of one of the world's major cities, 100 miles south of a nuclear power plant, and just over the hills from a (or the) nerve center of military satellite communications.....

I have an intense interest in seeing that money and resources go where they will do the most good in protecting THOSE sites, because that will make me safer.

As for my own little city, what would make me feel more secure would be knowing that FEMA is equipped to do its job and is staffed by professionals instead of political hacks and cronies, because I live on a major earthquake fault.

I am hoping mightily that our fighting Dems can stem the tide of corruption in Congress and halt Bush's rush to Armageddon. They are off to a good start.

Hekate

[rodeodance]

3. Sic'em Chucky