RESOLUTION NO. RS2002-1200

A resolution declaring October 22, 2002 as Homeland Security Day in Nashville, Tennessee.

WHEREAS, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have changed life throughout the Nation, and robbed Americans of their sense of security; and

WHEREAS, the attacks have far reaching implications for all cities and towns and their first responders now on the front lines of hometown defense; and

WHEREAS, at significant cost to local taxpayers across America, cities have met their many new hometown security challenges by updating their emergency plans to meet multiple new threats such as dirty bombs, biological and chemical weapons, taking on security duties at commercial airports, identifying and assessing their vulnerabilities, and improving collaboration, communication and information sharing within their regions and with state and federal government; and

WHEREAS, the federal government committed to assisting with the cost of improving emergency preparedness; and

WHEREAS, Congress and the President have squandered a rare moment of bipartisan unity by failing to act decisively on federal homeland security coordination and funding; and

WHEREAS, the National League of Cities has asked cities across the country to declare October 22, 2002 as Homeland Security Day.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1. The Metropolitan Council declares October 22, 2002 as Homeland Security Day in Nashville, Tennessee.

SECTION 2. The Metropolitan Council urges Congress and the President to work out their differences and pass a homeland security bill now to provide a federal framework for unified and coordinated responses to terrorism.

SECTION 3. The Metropolitan Council urges Congress, with the full support of the President, to finalize immediately 2003 funding for homeland security, particularly the $3.5 billion promised for first responders.

SECTION 4. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to President Bush, Senator Bill Frist, Senator Fred Thompson, and Congressman Bob Clement.

SECTION 5. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Chris Ferrell, Leo Waters