U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today joined Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09) and the entire New Jersey delegation in demanding Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chad Wolf explain why the recently-released DHS budget includes potential cuts in funding to the Garden State from the Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) preparedness grant programs.

“We write concerning the recent notices of funding opportunity and allocations for the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) preparedness grant programs. As the most urbanized state in America, New Jersey and our cities rely on the federal support provided by these programs to strengthen their emergency preparedness and protect the daily threats our communities face. Consequently, we have serious questions on the recent changes to the funding allocations for grant recipients, including the use of national priorities,” the members write.

The recent terrorist attacks in Jersey City tragically demonstrate that the potential danger to New Jersey and regional communities has not abated. However, according to the recent DHS announcement on FY20 notices of funding opportunity and allocations, New Jersey is only eligible to receive between $6,153,600 and $7,692,000 in SHSP funds and between $15,240,000 and $19,050,000 in UASI funds. These figures represent the lowest amount of support New Jersey would receive in SHSP and UASI funds in at least seven fiscal years. This is a significant drop from the state’s recent high mark of SHSP allocation of $7,993,000 and UASI allocation of $22,750,000 in FY18, respectively, a potential 23 percent and 33 percent cut.

“As you know, funding determinations to keep our communities safe should not be made with politics in mind. As representatives from the most urbanized state in the country, we thank you very much for your time and attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response,” the members’ letter concludes.

The letter is signed by Sens. Menendez and Booker, and Rep. Pascrell, Christopher Smith (N.J.-04), Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06), Albio Sires (N.J.-08), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10), Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12), Josh Gottheimer (N.J.-05), Andy Kim (N.J.-03), Tom Malinowski (N.J.-07), Mikie Sherrill (N.J.-11), and Jeff Van Drew (N.J.-02).