NYC Officials Denounce Anti-Terror Funding Cuts

Several of New York City’s top officials on Wednesday joined Sen. Charles Schumer in criticizing President Barack Obama’s planned cuts to federal counterterrorism funding.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Police Commissioner William Bratton, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro and others denounced the White House plan to cut funding to the Urban Area Security Initiative from $600 million to $330 million.

It would halve the funding for New York City, from $180 million to $90 million. The money helps offset local municipalities’ security expenditures.

Bratton called the plan “unconscionable” and said that the money was vital to keeping the city safe.

“Anti-terror funding is no place to cut corners,” de Blasio said. “It is no secret that New York City is one of the world’s top terror targets, and the Urban Area Security Initiative helps ensure that we will be prepared for whatever dangers arise.”

The White House had said the plan still contributes “robust funding” to combat terror.

Schumer said a vote on a Homeland Security appropriations bill would likely happen by June.