Dear Representative Carter,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 8874, the “Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Reporting Act.”
As you know, Congress previously took an important step to preserve critical homeland security capabilities developed through Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) funding, which is intended to enhance the security and resilience of high-risk urban areas, when it enacted legislation in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. That effort, which the FOP supported, recognized the risks posed when jurisdictions abruptly lose access to these resources.
Your bill would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to submit follow-up reports every three years, beyond the initial report due 18 months after enactment, which would ensure more consistent oversight and a clearer understanding of how jurisdictions manage the transition away from UASI funding. Given the evolving and persistent nature of homeland security threats, maintaining visibility into these transitions is essential. Jurisdictions losing UASI eligibility should not face diminished preparedness due to a lack of sustained Federal attention. This ongoing reporting would help identify capability gaps, inform future policy decisions, and better support State and local law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting their communities.
On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you for your leadership on this important issue. If I can provide any additional information about this bill, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President