Demings legislation seeking to aid Urban Area Security Initiative included in NDAA

U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) is commending colleagues for including her legislation supporting the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The action will be included in the NDAA Fiscal Year 2023, which serves as the legislative foundation for national security priorities and policy reforms benefiting service members, their families, and communities nationwide.

The DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2021 requires all officer training programs for the Department of Homeland Security receive accreditation to ensure a high standard for officers protecting the country.

Additionally, the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act included within the NDAA, which was introduced with U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review previous UASI disbursements and create a plan to continue federal anti-terrorism support for UASI-funded homeland security capabilities.

“The safety and security of every American is my top priority,” she said. “My bill to support the Urban Area Security Initiative is critical for Florida’s first responders and will help ensure stable funding levels for anti-terror programs that keep us safe. As a former law enforcement officer who used UASI funding, this program has been one of my top priorities since arriving in Congress, and I am proud of the work we have done to restore Orlando to the list and ensure that our first responders have what’s needed to keep us safe.”

Bacon said keeping Americans safe from foreign and domestic threats is a priority.

“I’m glad to help lead this effort alongside Rep. Demings to direct DHS and FEMA to assess UASI capabilities and ensure federal assistance is made available for these anti-terrorism law enforcement programs, especially in urban areas, which are potential targets for terrorist attacks,” he said.