Kennedy, New York Delegation Demand DHS Release $87 Million in Counterterrorism Funding Still Owed to New York

One Year After Trump Promised Full Reversal of Funding Cuts, First Responders Statewide are Still Without Millions in Federal Investments

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, led members of the New York Congressional Delegation in urging the Department of Homeland Security to immediately release $87 million in FY2025 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) funding that is still owed to New York. Their letter, sent to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, highlights the danger of withholding this funding from one the largest states in the nation and a top target for international and domestic terrorism.

"One year ago, President Trump promised to restore New York counterterrorism funding in full after slashing the state's allocation by nearly 90 percent. Yet today, DHS refuses to release $87 million that is still missing," said Congressman Kennedy. "As Ranking Member of the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee, I know how critical these preparedness investments are. They help law enforcement and first responders across New York, from Buffalo to Manhattan, plan for emergencies, train for real world terrorism threats, and get the equipment they need to keep our communities safe. These preparedness grants were born out of the aftermath of the deadliest terror attack in American history, a tragedy that changed New York State forever. DHS's refusal to restore $87 million for the state is not just reckless - it poses a direct threat to public safety."

In September 2025, DHS issued HSGP award notifications that cut New York's allocation by 86 percent, or $187 million, leaving the state with just $30 million compared to roughly $220 million in FY24. In October 2025, following bipartisan advocacy, President Trump committed to restoring full funding at approximately $220 million. After a court order in Noem v. Illinois that found Trump unlawfully cut emergency grant funding, the administration released $100 million, but $87 million is still owed to New York.

The missing funds affect every county in the state, including Erie and Niagara, and represent $11 million in losses for New York City. The letter warns that without full restoration, DHS is severely limiting local law enforcement's ability to plan, train tactical teams, procure equipment, and conduct operations. Created in the wake of the September 11th attacks, HSGP has protected New York State for decades. The delegation underscored that the funds are due 25 years after 9/11 and one year after the President's promise.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

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