I believe that protecting the safety and security of Americans is, undoubtedly, my most important priority.  It is essential that we do everything in our power to protect target-rich environments, like New York, from future terrorist attacks.

I’m proud to report that within my first days in Congress, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H.R. 1, which finally implemented the non-partisan 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to improve national security.  I co-sponsored this legislation, which appropriately allocates homeland security funds based on risk - directing more resources to target-rich regions, so states like New York get additional help.

I also voted for the National Security FIRST Act (H.R. 556), which takes the next step after passage of the 9-11 Commission recommendations to improve port security.

As a former District Attorney, I worked long hours alongside the fire-fighters, police officers, and first responders that work to keep our communities safe.  I believe we owe it to them to provide the resources they need to protect us.  That’s why I continue working to find additional federal resources to get the equipment, training, and help that our first responders need.

That’s also why I have called for increases in funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters (SAFER) program, which award competitive grants to fire departments.  Their funding helps first responders meet equipment, training and staffing needs.  Additionally, I am a proud cosponsor of the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (H.R. 943), which would provide tax assistance for volunteer emergency responders by exempting property tax abatements and other incentives from federal taxation – so local fire departments can continue to recruit and retain first responders.