Firefighter and emergency medical first responders should immediately review Senator Akaka's new amendment to the Department of Homeland Security's 2006 appropriation bill. The amendment increases funding by $587 million. The senator's office notes the following points covered by the amendment:
1. Increase the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP)/Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding (they are combined in the FY 06 bill as "state and local assistance" but were separate in FY 05) by $467M, or from $1.518B to $1.985B. The state and local assistance grants provide funds for training, equipment, exercises, and technical assistance to improve readiness for potential terrorism incidents. After the state minimum, which this amendment does not alter, is dispensed, all funds will be allocated by the Secretary based on risk and threat.
2. Increase Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) by $20M, or from $10M to $30M. The MMRS is a program of contracts with major cities to assist the coordination of local government entities in preparedness. The goal of MMRS is to coordinate the efforts of local law enforcement, firefighters, HAZMAT teams, EMS, hospital, public health and other personnel to improve all-hazards response capabilities.
3. Increase FIRE Act by $100M, or from $550M to $650M. FIRE Act grants provide federal grants directly to local fire departments and unaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to help address a variety of equipment, training, and other firefighter-related and EMS needs.

If you decide to alert your legislative networks, you had better move fast. You know how fast things happen in Washington this time of the year. Let's see how fast you can respond this time.