A House subcommittee has rejected the new funding formula for first responders approved earlier this year by the House Select Committee on Homeland Security. Before approving H.R. 3266, the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act, the subcommittee adopted an amendment to retain current practices for distributing grants.

The existing State Homeland Security grant program distributes three-quarters of one percent of the amount appropriated to each state. Remaining funds are distributed according to state population. The Urban Area Security Initiative program provides grants to high threat areas of the country, initially seven municipalities, now expanding to 50. H.R. 3266 originally proposed that these two programs would be consolidated and funds would be distributed based on threats, vulnerabilities, and risk assessments. States would be required to disburse 80 percent of the grant money to local governments within 45 days of receiving funds from the federal government or face penalties as well as pay 25 percent of the grant activities. Federal funds could be provided directly to local recipients if states fail to perform.

The revised bill is expected to be approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Two other House Committees are expected to also consider the bill before a June 7 deadline. This major change in the legislation could complicate further consideration of the bill.

A similar Senate bill, S. 930, the Emergency Preparedness and Response Act, was reported out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in February. The Senate bill guarantees the same basic level of funding as existing law and sets aside at least 10 percent of the appropriated funds for direct assistance to local governments recommended by the Governor. The 28 existing Urban Search and Rescue teams are guaranteed $1.5 million annually, and no additional teams may be established until all existing teams are trained and equipped for two teams to be deployed simultaneously. The bill is ready for floor consideration in the Senate.