Reps. McConico, Garfield, Rivet, Minore, Smith, Anderson, Julian, Byrum, Farrah, Hunter, Gleason, Sheltrown, Elkins, Gieleghem, Paletko, Cheeks, Bieda, Wojno, Condino, Gillard, Waters, Clack, Stallworth, Meisner, Vagnozzi, Spade, Law, Richardville, Meyer, Middaugh, Hune, Woodward, Woronchak, LaSata, Rocca, Ehardt, Hummel, Nofs, Phillips and Hardman offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 49.

            A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress and the President to support an amendment to the Homeland Security Block Grant Act of 2003 to provide additional funds to the states for homeland security.

            Whereas, Law enforcement in the United States has traditionally relied on state and local efforts, and federal law enforcement has stepped in only when criminals crossed state lines or in issues of national importance. For two centuries, this decentralized method of ensuring peace, tranquility, and public safety has served our people well; and

            Whereas, The September 11th attacks have thrust new responsibilities and costs onto our state and local governments. Terrorist threats to our airports, power plants, water and food supplies, bridges, and other assets have made us realize how vulnerable we are to those whose preferred method of attack is against helpless and innocent civilians. With our country a potential battlefield as terrorists seek to strike our citizens where they are most vulnerable, we must adapt our usual methods to cope with our new security environment; and

            Whereas, National defense is the primary responsibility of the federal government. Although state and local governments are willing to fulfill their responsibilities, they lack the financial means to match their dedication. Only the federal government can assess the new and amorphous threats, coordinate our joint efforts, and provide the funds to adequately defend the American people from terrorism; and

            Whereas, The United States Congress now has legislation before it to fund homeland security, S. 87, the Homeland Security Block Grant Act of 2003. This bill, however, does not provide adequate levels of financial assistance. A proposed amendment to S. 87 to increase the block grants to $9 billion will give our state and local governments the financial resources needed to ensure homeland security. With this amendment, S. 87 will allow us to forge a strong tie between our federal government and our state and local governments as we fight a common foe; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the United States Congress and the President to support an amendment to the Homeland Security Block Grant Act of 2003 to provide additional funds to the states for homeland security; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.