State and Local Homeland Security: DHS Preparedness Grants

After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Congress expanded support for state and local homeland security efforts. This included creating the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and giving it the authority to manage federal homeland security grant programs. Over the years, various DHS entities have administered these grants, which have supported activities such as helping states and localities prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks and mass shootings, protecting critical infrastructure (such as rail systems and ports), and enhancing security for nonprofit organizations and high-risk areas. Since their original release, homeland security and preparedness grants have evolved significantly, with a new emphasis on nonprofit and special event security—such as international sporting events, large music concerts, and presidential campaign rallies. New grant programs specifically targeting cybersecurity and soft target protection have been enacted. Funding levels and eligible activities, programs, and equipment for these grant programs have fluctuated—expanding and constricting—due to both executive branch and congressional action. This report provides a brief summary of the development of DHS’s role in providing homeland security assistance, a summary of the current homeland security programs managed by DHS, and a discussion of the following policy issues: (1) the purpose and number of programs; (2) preparedness grant funding amounts; (3) special event security; and (4) soft-target security.