The Serrano Report, Vol. VI, #27

On Capitol Hill

Serrano, Lowey Announce $12 Million Nuclear Detection Funding for NYPD

On Monday, Representative Serrano and Representative Nita M. Lowey announced that they had secured $12 million for the NYPD to bolster “Securing the Cities,” a nuclear device detection program. Both Representatives serve on the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee.

“New York City is always atop terrorists’ list of targets, so we have to work especially hard to thwart attacks,” said Rep. Serrano. “This $12 million will pay to continue to develop the radiation detectors that keep us safe from the threat of dirty bombs. Besides protecting us, this program is a vital testing ground for the strategies and technologies that can later be deployed to other cities in our nation. I am proud that Nita Lowey and I were able to ensure that this vital funding was prioritized in the DHS budget. This project is simply too important to fall to the bottom of any list.”

“New York remains a top target for terrorists around the world, and I am pleased we have secured critical funding to help prevent a catastrophic attack,” said Lowey.  “This is an example of coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies that is so critical to discovering threats and preventing them from coming to fruition.  I will work with Congressman Serrano and the rest of the New York delegation to ensure this funding is signed into law.”

Securing the Cities is a program to protect New York City from a radiological or nuclear device. It has been operating in New York and the tri-state area for the past three years and has trained and equipped anti-terrorism units. It has been jointly funded and run by federal, state, and local governments. The lessons learned from the program are expected to be used in other cities around the nation. Serrano and Lowey have successfully fought each year to secure federal funding for this initiative, because of both its local and national importance.

Fiscal 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report Passes House

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report, by a vote of 308-114.  The bill provides fiscal year 2010 funding for the Department of Energy and the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as several other federal agencies.  The conference report marks the final agreement on funding levels between the differing House and Senate versions of the legislation.

Within the bill, $27.1 billion is provided for the Department of Energy, $5.4 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, and $1.1 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation.  This funding will help in the research, development, and deployment of new energy efficient technologies to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to produce clean, inexpensive energy from domestic sources.  Among the many programs within the legislation, significant support was devoted to solar energy technology, biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells, increased conventional vehicle efficiency and smart grid technology.  In addition to its focus on energy production and scientific research the Department of Energy is also responsible for the nuclear security of the United States and funding in the bill helps the Department of Energy work with other countries to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. 

In addition, H.R. 3183 provided $210 million in funding for the Weatherization Assistance program, which helps low-income Bronx residents (as well as low-income families around the nation) lower their home heating and cooling costs by upgrading the energy efficiency of their residences.

The bill now moves on to the Senate for their final approval.

In the Bronx

Serrano's District Office Moves

On Monday, October 5th, Congressman Serrano's district office will move to a new, temporary location, at:

903 Dawson Street (near E. 163rd)
The Bronx, NY  10459
(718) 620-0084

The office is expected to move to a permanent location in the spring of 2010.

Grant Opportunities