Central Missouri News

Congressman Mark Alford, along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, has called on Congress to allocate $21.6 million for the National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) task forces. This request aims to replace outdated rescue equipment that could jeopardize future rescue operations and endanger both the public and first responders.

The letter urging this funding was spearheaded by U.S. Representatives Kevin Mullin, Jill Tokuda, and Young Kim. "As soon as they got the call, first responders from each task force left their own communities to travel across the country to help people they had never met. This system and those who make it work are inspiring examples of how Americans come together in times of crisis," wrote the members.

The US&R task forces operate under FEMA's mutual aid system, comprising 28 teams located in 19 states. These highly trained personnel often bear costs at the local level while responding swiftly to disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, storms, and terrorist attacks.

Recently, US&R teams were deployed across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A 2018 FEMA report highlighted the need for additional funding for replacing outdated vehicles and equipment within these task forces.

"The stability of the US&R program – and therefore the task forces’ ability to respond effectively to disasters – is put at risk when task forces do not have the equipment they need," continued the lawmakers. Despite past efforts, Congress has only partially funded a plan outlined in 2018. Adjusted for inflation, an additional $21.6 million is required.

In addition to Reps. Alford, Mullin, Tokuda, and Kim; Reps. Ami Bera (CA-6), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Mike Flood (NE-1), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jen Kiggans (VA-2), Stephen Lynch (MA-8), Seth Moulton (MA-6), Scott Peters (CA-50), and Brittany Pettersen (CO-7) also signed the letter.