Homeland Security's implications for Congressman Andrew Garbarino.
In a bid to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response, a member of Congress from Long Island has been actively advocating for crucial measures in the realms of flood protection and cybersecurity.
As a former chair of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Subcommittee, this representative has a deep understanding of the key aspects of disaster preparedness. This knowledge is now being put to use, as they strive to enhance crisis management capabilities, improve emergency preparedness, and strengthen coordination among federal, state, and local agencies to effectively respond to national security threats.
One of the representative's recent achievements in emergency management and disaster preparedness is the inclusion of language in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. This legislation, when passed, will reduce the emergency assistance threshold for coastal renourishment on Fire Island and South Shore communities, providing much-needed aid to these areas.
In terms of flood protection, the representative is also championing the FLOAT Act. This bill, if passed, would offer a critical incentive for homeowners to protect their properties from flood damage without incurring excessive costs. By doing so, it would help families in the district recover quickly from flood events and avoid financial losses. The FLOAT Act is designed to help homeowners protect their properties from flood damage without breaking the bank.
With instances of severe weather on the rise, the FLOAT Act would be instrumental in ensuring that families in the district can afford flood insurance coverage. This coverage is essential for quick recovery and avoiding devastating financial losses in the event of floods.
Moreover, the representative recognises the importance of cybersecurity in protecting the nation's technology systems, energy grids, and other critical infrastructure from cybersecurity risks and physical storm damage. Key actions include improving public-private partnerships, reducing regulatory burdens, and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce.
In the near term, supporting U.S. cybersecurity requires extending key authorities and programs such as the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015) and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grants Program, both of which are up for reauthorization this September.
The Homeland Security Committee under Representative Andrew Garbarino prioritises these efforts to protect the nation and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. The representative's commitment to these causes, as demonstrated by their work on the FLOAT Act and the Water Resources Development Act, is a testament to their dedication to the people of their district.
Before the inclusion of language in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act, Delaware was the only place in the country with a lowered emergency assistance threshold for coastal renourishment. This demonstrated the need for similar measures in other areas prone to coastal erosion and flooding, a need that the FLOAT Act aims to address.
In conclusion, the representative's work on the FLOAT Act and the Water Resources Development Act, as well as their continued focus on cybersecurity, underscores their commitment to the safety and well-being of their constituents. These initiatives, if successful, will provide much-needed protection against floods and cyber threats, ensuring a safer and more secure future for all.
