Hon. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen
Congressman, NJ, District 11
2442 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-3001

(Transmitted via fax - 202-225-3186)

Dear Congressman Frelinghuysen:
We have learned that you have been appointed to the House and Senate conference committee, which will resolve the differences between each chamber's version of the fiscal year 2003 supplemental spending bill to cover the costs for war operations in Iraq and fund homeland security needs.

Both the House bill (H.R. 1559) and the Senate bill (S. 762) include $2.2 billion for local and state homeland security needs. However, the specific allocations and distribution formulas are different.

On behalf of New Jersey municipalities, we urge you to support provisions in a final supplemental spending bill that would:

• Provide $1.5 billion in first responder grants, of which states must direct at least 80 percent of funds to local governments within 45 days of receipt;
• Provide $700 million for protection of high-threat metropolitan areas where funds can be used for personnel/overtime costs;
• Provide $85 million to local and state law enforcement agencies for reimbursement of security provided at airports in the months after September 11;
• Provide $105 million to state and local governments for smallpox vaccinations and other public health threats; and
• Provide $375 million for airport security modifications, such as the installation of explosive detection systems.

We thank you for all you've already done in the interest of hometown security in New Jersey and for all you continue to do for the people of your district, our State and the United States of America.

Very truly yours,

J. Christian Bollwage,
President, NJSLOM and
Mayor, City of Elizabeth