Schumer: Slashing Counterterrorism Funds A 'Punch In The Gut' For NY
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is slamming a White House proposal that would cut nearly $300 million from counterterrorism programs.
Schumer notes that the recently released budget proposal would reduce the Urban Area Security Initiative from $600 million to $330 million. The initiative helps cities nationwide with programs to prevent, respond to and recover from extremist attacks.
"These are dollars the NYPD and others throughout New York law enforcement use to keep us a step ahead of the bad guys," Schumer said.
Schumer says the proposal is "ill-advised" and "makes no sense." He is pushing President Barack Obama to reconsider the cuts.
"I did not get a good explanation," Schumer said.
Schumer says the funding is needed to keep counterterrorism programs fully operational, especially in New York City. The money is used for training programs and to fund patrols at airports, transit hubs and waterways.
Schumer called the cut in funding a "punch in the gut," to the men and women fighting terrorism in New York City, 1010 WINS' Roger Stern reported.
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