Assembly Homeland Security Chair Says Funding Cuts Would be Disastrous for Residents of Elizabeth and all of New Jersey
Assembly Homeland Security Committee Chair Annette Quijano (D-Union) today called on members of the U.S. Senate to stand up and fight for the safety of residents in the Garden State by overriding the Republican-led effort in the House of Representatives to drastically cut funding for homeland security in the new federal budget.
In doing so, Quijano called on New Jersey’s U.S. Senators in particular – Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg – for their support as the budget bill is debated in the Senate today.
br>Quijano represents the 20th legislative district, which includes Elizabeth, home to one of New Jersey’s most bustling seaports and a major hub of transportation and commercial activity.
“New Jersey is no stranger to homeland security threats. As a representative of one of our largest port cities, with proximity to one of the nation’s busiest airports, I fully understand the importance of homeland security to the safety and well-being of our residents.
“This requires a constant awareness of the changing world around us and an understanding of how we can better improve our systems to protect the people of our state. How the federal government expects us to do that while slashing two-thirds of our funding for homeland security is beyond me.
“This is a fight worth fighting and I hope our representatives understand that and will side with the people of New Jersey in beating back this misguided funding cut,” said Quijano.
Quijano noted that the budget bill currently passed by the House of Representatives slashes homeland security grants by more than two-thirds, affecting operations throughout New Jersey. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey would see its funding reduced from $33.8 million to just $11.2 million while in South Jersey the Delaware River and Bay would see its funding cut from $16 million to $5.3 million.