The omnibus federal spending bill that gained approval in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday contains provisions that would increase support for border security, local police departments, and firefighters.
U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and John Boozman (R-AK) secured $85 million in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, H.R. 1625, for Operation Stonegarden. Administered by FEMA through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Operation Stonegarden provides funding for personnel-related expenses that state, local and tribal police departments incur on joint efforts to secure U.S. borders.
“Montana’s law enforcement officers are working around the clock to keep our families and our property safe,” Tester, the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, said. “These additional resources will help local law enforcement officials to partner with their federal counterparts to crack down on drugs entering our ports and ensure that there are no weak links along the northern border. This bipartisan agreement to bolster law enforcement funding does right by Montana.”
Tester also worked with U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) to reauthorize Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants in the federal spending bill. The senators introduced a bill to extend the expiring grant programs last year, and it was included in the spending bill as an amendment.
“When Montana firefighters are in harm’s way, it is critical that they have the most up-to-date and safest equipment,” Tester said. “Rural and volunteer fire departments often operate on razor thin margins and these firefighter grants help them stay fully prepared for when disaster strikes.”