Number: RL33050
Title: Risk-Based Funding in Homeland Security Grant Legislation: Issues for the 109th Congrress
Authors: Shawn Reese, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: P.L. 109-90, signed by the President on October 18, 2005, appropriates funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2006. P.L. 109-90 appropriates a total of $2.97 billion for state and local homeland security grant programs. This is $645 million less than was appropriated for these programs in FY2005 ($3.61billion). P.L. 109-90 does not alter the funding formula for SHSGP and LETPP. Conferees are expected, however, to meet in October to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of H.R. 3199, re-authorization of sunset provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act (P.L. 107-56). The House version of this measure addresses risk-based funding for homeland security grants. The House version of H.R. 3199, passed July 21, 2005, would direct DHS to allocate 100% of funds appropriated for homeland security assistance to states based on risk, and it would establish a mechanism for doing so. The Senate version, passed July 29, 2005, is silent on the matter. This CRS report addresses several policy questions raised by the grant allocation method proposed in the House version of H.R. 3199 and the method in P.L. 109-90. It does not focus on the differences in the amounts appropriated for homeland security grants and re-authorization of USA PATRIOT Act provisions.
Pages: 21
Date: October 21, 2005