By Congressman Andrew Garbarino
Keeping New York and Long Island safe has always been my top priority. As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I take seriously the responsibility to ensure that our state receives the resources and federal partnerships it needs to stay ahead of a growing threat landscape. Twenty-four years after 9/11, New York remains the nation’s number one terrorist target.
In February of this year, a foreign national living in Brooklyn was arrested for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and ISIS-K. In September 2024, the FBI announced the arrest of another foreign national for attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS while planning an attack on a Jewish center in Brooklyn.
We cannot afford to let our guard down for even a moment. That is why last week’s annual Worldwide Threats hearing was so important. The threats facing our country continue to evolve, and we must be equipped to meet them. From terrorism and cyberattacks to drone warfare, the threat environment is far different from what it was even five years ago.
As a New Yorker who saw firsthand the impacts of both Superstorm Sandy and 9/11, I know the importance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) role in not only responding to natural disasters but also administering crucial grants to cities across the country, including New York City.
When FEMA announced reductions of more than 80% to grant funding for the New York City urban area, the consequences would have been dangerous. These cuts would have undermined the very systems that were built after 9/11 to ensure that federal, state, and local partners operate as one unified team.
New York’s preparedness model is not just about protecting our state. It is central to the national homeland security mission. New York serves as a hub for intelligence sharing and coordination that informs threat responses across the country. Weakening that system would have left New Yorkers and Americans across the country at greater risk.
After learning how steep the final cuts were, I sent a letter to DHS asking for more information on the cuts. I was relentless in urging the White House and DHS to reverse course.
These counterterrorism grants are not abstract budgets. They are the backbone of New York’s preparedness network. Through these grants, New York City and the surrounding region fund the capabilities they need to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. For a region that remains the top terror target in the nation, these capabilities cannot be allowed to erode.
I appreciate President Trump’s responsiveness, engagement, and swift action to heed my calls and reverse those drastic cuts.
In last week’s hearing, Secretary Noem confirmed for me that “President Trump has sent more resources to New York City,” saying DHS “will continue to meet the threats head-on, because that is our mission.” The Trump administration’s decision to restore millions of dollars in grant funding will ensure New York can continue to maintain the counterterrorism and emergency preparedness capabilities that protect millions of people every day. It also reflects our shared understanding that the threat environment is changing and that our response must be strong and sustained.
I thank President Trump and Secretary Noem for working together with Congress to keep our communities safe and maintain this important partnership for New York’s security.
For New Yorkers, homeland security is personal. The people of Long Island and New York City expect and deserve a government that prioritizes their safety and works cooperatively to strengthen it.
As Chairman, I will continue to focus on that mission every day. Congress and the Trump administration must continue to work together to ensure DHS succeeds in its core, no-fail mission. With strong partnerships, clear priorities, and continued investment in security, we can keep New York safe and resilient in the face of any threat.
Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) has represented NY-02 since 2021. NY-02 includes the entire towns of Babylon and Islip, parts of the Town of Oyster Bay, and within the Town of Brookhaven, Bellport, Blue Point, Brookhaven hamlet, East Patchogue, Hagerman, Holbrook, Holtsville, Indian Landing, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Medford, North Bellport, North Patchogue, Old Mastic, Patchogue, Shirley, South Haven, Squassux Landing, and parts of Yaphank and Farmingville.
Congressman Garbarino serves as Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee and sits on the committees on Financial Services and Ethics.
The Second Congressional District Office is located at 114 West Main Street in Patchogue and can be reached at 631-541-4225.
