Dear Representative Gallego,
I am writing on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police members to advise you of our support for H.R. 7456, the “First Responders Emergency Assistance Act.”
As law enforcement officers, our members are often the first ones to address border crossings and locating and processing migrants. However, as U.S. migrant crossings have increased, our law enforcement officers have struggled to keep up with the amount of border crossings happening daily. By providing grants for first responders, this bill would help coordinate efforts between agencies to address migrant needs and ensure that our first responders have the tools necessary to do their jobs.
Your bill would establish a new grant program that would help first responders deal with this influx. These grants would be issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and distributed to areas within 100 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. This grant program would be used to fund operational costs, assist with staffing needs, and help cover overtime costs. DHS would have the discretion to send supplemental funds to areas with high immigration rates. Our members play a critical role in monitoring our border, and this bill would provide vital funding to address the influx of migrants entering the U.S.
On behalf of the more than 373,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you for your leadership on this important issue. If I can provide any additional information in support of this legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President