Homeland Security

New Hampshire is home to airports large and small, nuclear and non-nuclear capable military installations, a nuclear power plant, an international border crossing, a seaport, a seacoast, mountains, lakes, rivers, urban areas, and wilderness. As a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, John has worked hard to protect these resources as well as critical infrastructure across the nation.

9/11 Commission’s Recommendations – John supported an effort to better protect the nation from terrorist attacks by voting in favor of bipartisan legislation influenced by the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to strengthen security measures throughout the country and reform the nation’s intelligence gathering procedures. Additionally, the final legislation included a number of amendments offered by Senator Sununu that represent a sound investment in the security infrastructure of New Hampshire and the nation. Specifically, John’s amendments:

• Assisted the North Country’s law enforcement and fire-rescue departments gain access to critical radio channels and frequencies by requiring the Federal Communication Commission and the Department of State to examine the application process for public safety radio licenses near international borders.
• Required federal agencies to report to Congress on their use and development of data mining technologies to prevent any infringement on Americans’ personal privacy.
• Prevented new technologies, particularly Internet Protocol, from being excluded from consideration in the homeland security grant process.

Homeland Security Advisors – John is a cosponsor of legislation to strengthen homeland security by increasing the number of Protective Security Advisors in New England and across the country. These Advisors provide advice and assistance on homeland security issues for both state and local officials, as well as the private sector, and are among the first to arrive at the scene of an incident. Right now, New Hampshire shares a Protective Security Advisor with other New England states, limiting the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to reach out to the public and private sector entities responsible for the Granite State’s critical infrastructure. This bill would strengthen our preparedness by ensuring that all fifty states have a dedicated Advisor working to ensure their security.

Border Control – John has urged Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to locate the agency’s new Northern New England Border Patrol sub-station in Colebrook. The selection of Colebrook, with its easy access to the New Hampshire and Vermont roadways that connect to the Canadian highway system, would offer a strategic advantage for CBP as they work to protect our nation’s entry points.

Using Federal Dollars to Ensure New Hampshire’s Security

• The Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program was created to assist state and local development of emergency response systems. In 2007, John worked to secure almost $2 million for the New Hampshire Department of Homeland Security through this program. Recognizing the value of these funds, John has urged the President to continue his support of EMPGs, and in April John called on the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide over $485 million for the grants in fiscal year 2009.
• John has consistently worked to leverage federal dollars to assist the Granite State’s Fire and Police Departments. Since 2005, John has returned over $1.2 million to fire and emergency management crews around the state. In late 2007, John announced that almost $130,000 in federal grants would go to police departments throughout Rockingham County to assist with technology and equipment upgrades.

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