Congressman Cleaver Urges Homeland Security Secretary to Restore Kansas City's Critical Anti-Terror Funding as the City Remains a Top Terror Target in the Nation's Heartland
Department of Homeland Security's UASI Program Provides Critical Funding to Address Needs of High-Threat Areas, Like KC Metro Area, and Protect Against Acts of Terrorism
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, stressing the need for more anti-terror funding for the Kansas City area. Last week, a Florida man was arrested after allegedly plotting an attack in Kansas City, Missouri, for the 14th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This arrest highlights the ongoing threats facing communities outside the naturally perceived targeted major cities.
"Make no mistake, this federal funding is critical to ensuring Missourians remain safe and protected from terrorist threats," said Cleaver. "It is clear as day that Kansas City remains a terrorist target and this funding will help better protect our city and region. I strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security to recognize the validity and serious need for this crucial anti-terror funding."
Every year, Missouri's Fifth District hosts a wide variety of high-profile sporting and cultural events that require robust security and additional funding. These events, in addition to the everyday threats our community faces, put us at high risk for a potential terrorist attack. In the post-September 11 world, our first responders and local law enforcement personnel face a new reality that extends beyond traditional emergencies. We, as citizens in our communities, have placed our safety and security in the hands of first responders, and it would be unconscionable to prevent them from having the tools they need to save lives.
In the past, Kansas City has received funding from the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). This money has been critical in developing and maintaining capabilities necessary to quickly and effectively respond to terrorist attacks and catastrophic events in the region. Unfortunately, this year Kansas City was not included in the list of recipients. Though we understand that tough decisions are being made that impact communities everywhere, maintaining capabilities in urban areas with existing federal investments is a critical part of the national infrastructure.
Full text of the letter that Congressman Cleaver sent to the Secretary can be read here.
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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.
For more information please contact John Jones – john.h.jones@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4535.