What does Preamble of S 2200 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To establish a law enforcement grant program to help law enforcement agencies respond to rapid increases in the arrival or presence of aliens who have recently entered the United States, and for other purposes,' aims to establish a grant program. The grant program is intended to assist law enforcement agencies in responding to increases in the arrival or presence of aliens who recently entered the United States.

What does SHORT TITLE. of S 2200 do?

This bill is formally titled the First Responders Emergency Assistance Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of S 2200 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. The term 'Administrator' refers to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. ‘Appropriate congressional committees’ includes specific committees from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. An 'eligible entity' can be a state, tribal, territorial, or local law enforcement agency, an emergency operations center, or another first responder agency. An 'emergency operation center' is a location where leaders coordinate and direct policy during emergencies. The definition of 'firefighter' references the Fair Labor Standards Act. A 'first responder' includes firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, among others, who respond to emergencies and are employed by a state, tribe, or local government. The term 'Indian Tribe' is defined according to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. A 'law enforcement officer' is an employee authorized to prevent, investigate, or supervise criminal violations. ‘Recently’ is defined as the four-year period preceding the public release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity. ‘State’ includes various U.S. territories and possessions. A 'unit of local government' encompasses various political subdivisions of a state.

What does FIRST RESPONDERS GRANT PROGRAM. of S 2200 do?

This section establishes the First Responders Grant Program, authorizing the Administrator to award grants to eligible entities. Funds are intended to cover direct costs associated with responding to a substantial and rapid increase in the arrival or presence of aliens who have recently entered the United States. Permissible uses of grant funds include equipment, personnel costs (salaries, overtime, fringe benefits, backfill positions), and other appropriate activities determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security. At least 25% of appropriated funds must be allocated to eligible entities in states bordering Canada or Mexico. The Administrator is required to collect and maintain financial information regarding grant awards, obligations, outlays, and spending plans. The Administrator must establish guidelines to ensure funds are used appropriately, increase operational expenses for grantees, improve program performance reporting, and require standardized performance data. The Administrator must submit guidelines to congressional committees within 90 days of the Act's enactment. Annual reports and briefings to congressional committees will include information on how grant funds were expended and the nature of operations carried out. The first annual report will examine the effects of awarding multi-year grants and include recommendations for program improvements.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of S 2200 do?

This section authorizes appropriations for carrying out the Act. The amount authorized is 'such amounts as may be necessary'. Appropriated funds cannot be used to reimburse entities for costs related to enforcing federal immigration laws.

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First Responders Emergency Assistance Act — S. 2200

Last updated: 6/26/2025 · Introduced: 6/26/2025

Author: Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a grant program to assist state, tribal, territorial, and local law enforcement agencies and emergency operations centers responding to sudden increases in the arrival of aliens who have recently entered the United States.
Grant funds can be used for equipment, personnel costs, and other activities related to emergency response, with at least 25% of funds allocated to states bordering Canada or Mexico.
The bill authorizes appropriations for the grant program, but prohibits using these funds to reimburse entities for enforcing federal immigration laws.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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