Sen. Dodd asks $525m

By PETER URBAN
Connecticut Post Online

WASHINGTON — Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd wants to establish a new federal grant program that would provide $525 million over the next five years to local and state bomb squads.

Dodd introduced legislation last week to have the Department of Homeland Security help states and local communities pay for the training, equipment and staffing to prevent improvised explosive devices.

Under his proposal, the grants would be available to state and local bomb squads, public safety dive teams, explosive detection canine teams and special weapons and tactics teams starting in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

"This bill will ensure that the brave men and women who are called on to respond to bomb threats around the country have the necessary tools, training, and personnel to keep our communities safe," Dodd said.

The legislation is now before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee that is chaired by Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Two years ago, Congress, at the behest of Dodd and West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd, required the Department of Homeland Security to produce a national strategy for IED preparedness. The National Security Council approved the document in late 2007, but offered few details on how state and local responders would contribute to this national strategy. It also did not include a grant program to ensure that state and local governments can carry out their responsibilities under the plan, Dodd said.

Dodd's bill would: establish an Office for Bombing Prevention under the authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; establish a senior advisory committee for IED prevention and response under the Homeland Security Advisory Council that would include a voice for first responders; and require the Coast Guard to assess the ability of public safety dive teams to respond to a maritime bomb threat.

"We have an opportunity to be proactive, to prepare for the unthinkable events that befell the people of London and Madrid, just a few short years ago," Dodd said. "Our nation needs demonstrated capability in this vital area, and we in Congress need to lead." Dodd, a Democrat, is hoping his colleagues will endorse this legislation just as they did in 2000 and 2003 when he succeeded in passing laws to boost federal assistance to local fire departments.

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