WASHINGTON , D.C.  -  Calhoun County’s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) should receive $62.5 million for its 2009 operating budget, Congressman Mike Rogers announced today.

Rogers said the $62.5 million appropriation, which is equal to last year’s funding level, is critical for helping ensure the CDP continues its unique national mission for training first responders. The funding was contained in H.R. 2638 - The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009, which passed the House yesterday 370 to 58 with one voting present.

Rogers voted in favor of the bill, which is expected to pass the Senate and should be signed into law by President Bush. The bill funds the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and the Veterans Administration for 2009.

Earlier this year, Rogers sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff criticizing a proposed White House cut in the CDP’s budget. Rogers said he was pleased that Congress once again recognized the importance of the Center, and restored sufficient funding for the facility next year.

“The Center for Domestic Preparedness plays an absolutely critical role in our nation’s preparedness efforts, and I am pleased that Congress has once again recognized its importance for helping train our first responders,” said Rogers. Rogers is a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

”I would like to thank Senator Shelby, in particular, for his steadfast support of the CDP throughout this process” Rogers added.
Rogers also serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Agriculture Committee.  

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