WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers said today that Congress could fund a new $1.7 million canine detection program at Auburn University’s facility in Calhoun County, under an appropriations bill working its way through the House.

The funding, which appears in this year’s Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, if passed could help make improvements at McClellan and help purchase more dogs and more equipment to provide trained canines to local law enforcement.

“Highly trained canines save lives, and help local law enforcement officials keep our neighborhoods and communities safe from drugs and crime,” Rogers said. “Down the road, this could be another way the Federal government could help support our rural first responders. While there’s no guarantee this could become law, this is certainly an encouraging first step in the right direction.”

Rogers said on Monday, July 21, the Homeland Security Subcommittee for Management, Investigations and Oversight will visit the Center for Domestic Preparedness, Auburn’s Canine facility, and the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency to observe rural first responders in training and in action. The following day, the committee will hold an official Congressional hearing in Calhoun County on the challenges faced by rural first responders. 

“Our first responders across East Alabama serve on the front lines for helping keep our families safe. They deserve the same training and support as their big city counterparts, and I hope this hearing will help further highlight their important needs,” Rogers said.

Rogers is Ranking Member on the Homeland Security Subcommittee for Management, Investigations and Oversight as well as a member of the Armed Services Committee and the Agriculture Committee.
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