IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 78
Expressing support for emergency first responders and States and local 
communities, which are on the front lines of the Nation’s homeland defense. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 13, 2003
Mr. SKELTON (for himself and Ms. HARMAN) submitted the following resolu-
tion; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for emergency first responders and 
States and local communities, which are on the front 
lines of the Nation’s homeland defense.
Whereas since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, 
the men and women who serve as police officers, fire-
fighters, and emergency services and public health per-
sonnel (commonly known as ‘‘first responders’’) and 
States and local communities across the Nation have 
found themselves on the front lines of homeland defense 
in the war against terrorism on United States soil; 
Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes that first 
responders and States and local communities have been 
forced to bear almost all of the financial burden that ac-
companies this responsibility;
•HRES 78 IH 
Whereas it is inappropriate for first responders and States 
and local communities to bear this responsibility alone; 
Whereas Congress has provided initial support for homeland 
security through the appropriation of funds to help first 
responders and States and local communities improve 
homeland defense, but the House of Representatives rec-
ognizes that not all of these resources have yet reached 
first responders and States and local communities; 
Whereas in addition to the homeland security funding that 
Congress has already appropriated, additional homeland 
security resources are needed by first responders and 
States and local communities; 
Whereas homeland security responsibilities must be assumed 
by first responders in addition to their traditional duties, 
but increased funds have not been provided for additional 
personnel or personnel hours or specialized training and 
equipment; 
Whereas, in addition to the new sources of funding that are 
required for for homeland security missions, full funding 
of first responder programs and activities must encom-
pass funding of traditional Federal programs, including 
the COPS program and the grant program commonly 
known as the FIRE Act program, which have greatly 
benefited the people of the United States by helping first 
responders reduce crime and prevent and respond to fires 
and other emergencies; and 
Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes that home-
land defense will only be as strong as the weakest link 
at the State and local levels and that the home front will 
be better prepared and the United States will be stronger 
if first responders and States and local communities have
•HRES 78 IH 
the resources and tools that they need to bolster emer-
gency preparedness and response efforts: Now, therefore, 
be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Rep-
resentatives that Congress should fully fund first re-
sponder programs, including providing the substantial ad-
ditional resources that are required to assist States and 
local communities and first responders in making the 
homeland defense of the United States as strong as pos-
sible.
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