strongCongresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today brought attention to the consequences that a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown would have on Palm Beach County emergency personnel and public safety. Local fire rescue departments rely on DHS grants to hire new firefighters in addition to maintaining safety equipment and operations. The disbursement of this funding would be disrupted if DHS does not remain open.

West Palm Beach and Delray Beach are the two cities in Palm Beach County that will be most impacted by a DHS shutdown. West Palm Beach Fire Rescue is a recipient of a $1.4 million DHS grant to hire firefighters. Over half of that amount has yet to be awarded and an agency shutdown would furlough staff responsible for sending the remaining funding. DHS also provides a $646,000 grant to Delray Beach Fire Rescue to employ new firefighters. Additionally, a DHS shutdown would impact security personnel at South Florida airports and seaports.

On Monday, Frankel called on Congress to pass legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security without the unnecessary controversial provision repealing the President's Executive Orders that prioritize deporting felons over families and give opportunities to undocumented immigrants who came to America as children.  Yesterday, the Senate began debate of a standalone measure to fund DHS.

“Firefighters are on the front lines in our neighborhoods every day, keeping us safe,” said Frankel. "The House should join the Senate in putting our nation’s security over partisan disputes.”

If Congress does not pass legislation to extend DHS funding before it runs out on Feb. 27, law enforcement officials, border patrol agents, disaster response officials, counterterrorism experts, and other Homeland Security personnel that help keep our nation safe would either be furloughed or required to work without pay.

DHS employs over 12,000 individuals in Florida out of 230,000 employees nationwide. All of them would be affected if there was a shutdown.

Breakdown of DHS employees in Florida:

• 6,049 with TSA
• 3,422 with Customs and Border Protection
• 1,307 with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• 754 with FEMA
• 678 with Citizenship and Immigration Services
• 275 with the Coast Guard

Other local consequences:

• Local fire departments could lose staff and equipment funded by DHS grants: West Palm Beach Fire Rescue ($1.4 million) and Delray Beach Fire Rescue ($646,000)
• Federal funding for state law enforcement could lapse, stalling new initiatives and preventing new equipment purchases.

 

 

 

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