First Responders got the message last week. At first it looked like the Bush Administration was coming out in support of interoperability. In a section in the new national budget aptly named, "Fostering Communications Between First Responders," it clearly states that "Interoperability will continue to be a major focus of State and local homeland security grants..."

A closer look reveals that funding has not increased for the needs of first responders. According to Police Magazine local law enforcement funding will go from $600 million to $60 million. Those cuts include "assistance to police departments to improve technology and their ability to communicate with other agencies."

Firefighters and emergency medical services are not going to get what they need either. Firefighter grants went down to $500 million for the 2006 budget. Communications needs still exist in most cities and towns in America and this budget still doesn't do you, the First Responder, justice.

So what is next?

Now the Administration's budget goes to Congress. No matter what the Administration puts in the Budget, Congress has the power to increase or decrease the amounts that First Responders will receive. So your responsibility is as clear as glass. Congress is where you have to put your energies to accomplish this task.

I'm sure you know who represents you in Congress. Make your appointment at the nearby home office today. It is never too early to tell your Congressperson what you need. And don't go alone. This one requires mutual aid. Get your surrounding First Responders to go with you.

By the time this Budget passes Congress almost four years will have passed since September 11, 2001. Let's hope we will receive the increases that we should have been receiving all along.