Protect Homeland Security Training At FLETC
Dear Friend,
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Artesia serves as the leading training site for the brave men and women who are our nation's first line of defense against homeland security threats. I have consistently fought for essential investments in FLETC's vital homeland security missions, and I helped lead bipartisan legislation to reauthorize those missions last year.
I was stunned to learn last week that President Trump floated the idea of eliminating a key program at FLETC as part of his proposed budget in order to pay for a wall on the border that media reports estimate will cost as much as $21 billion. I am calling on our new president to rethink his plans.
I hope you can take the time to read an article below from the Artesia Daily Press. I will not waver in standing up for the critical homeland security missions in Artesia and protecting the FLETC workers who are an important part of southeastern New Mexico's economy.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
By Artesia Daily Press Staff
Thursday March 9th, 2017
The Trump Administration is considering cuts to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) programs such as the "armed pilot" program based at FLETC-Artesia in order to fund its proposed border wall.
According to recent reports, a draft proposal, drawn up by the Office of Management and Budget would eliminate the FLETC Federal Flight Deck Officer training program and Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams, as well as cut grant funding for area law enforcement.
"In the face of international terrorism, it is critical that we make every effort to secure passenger aircraft, airports, train stations, and bus depots," said Heinrich. "I am stunned President Trump would consider eliminating critical security programs in order to fund his southern border wall."
While Trump's proposal would cut funding to the Coast Guard, FEMA and other TSA projects, the Federal Flight Deck Officer program based in Artesia would be eliminated entirely.
That program was established in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks to prepare pilots and flight crews for similar circumstances on aircraft. Under this program, hundreds of commercial pilots volunteer their time to be part of the nation's first line of defense against terrorist acts.
The FLETC estimates approximately 800 pilots and flight crewmembers participate in this training program each year. In addition to the impacts on national security, eliminating the program would mean an estimated $20 million cut to funding for FLETC-Artesia, a significant hit to both the local and state economy.
The proposed plan would also eliminate the TSA's Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams. TSA works with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to deploy VIPR teams based on threat levels and other security priorities. These teams consist of law enforcement officials, regulatory inspectors, explosives specialists, and, in some cases, screening personnel.
Heinrich led an effort last year to expand the number of VIPR teams across the nation from 31 to as many as 60. In August at the Albuquerque International Sunport, he stressed the importance of VIPR teams that enhance the security presence in pre-screening airport areas and other transportation facilities, especially in non-secure, "soft" target areas at airports like check-in and baggage claim.
