Federal counterterrorism funding critical to New York’s security posture was fully restored last week, as $187 million was returned to the state through the Homeland Security Grant Program following earlier proposed reductions.
The funding restoration was highlighted during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, where lawmakers underscored New York’s continued status as the nation’s top terrorism target and the need for sustained federal investment to protect critical infrastructure and maintain emergency readiness across the region.
The restored funding ensures that New York City and surrounding areas retain resources used for counterterrorism planning, intelligence coordination, and security enhancements at high-risk locations. These include transit systems, bridges, tunnels, ports, and large public venues that federal officials have long identified as potential targets due to population density and symbolic importance.
Committee Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino, a Long Island Republican, credited the Trump administration with reversing earlier funding cuts and restoring the full allocation. He thanked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for her engagement on the issue and emphasized that New York’s counterterrorism capabilities extend well beyond state borders.
“As a proud New Yorker and Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, protecting New York’s security is a top priority,” Garbarino said. “New York’s counterterrorism capabilities are essential not just for our state, but for our national homeland security mission.”
Since the September 11 attacks, New York has developed some of the nation’s most advanced counterterrorism and intelligence-sharing frameworks. Those systems, officials say, continue to serve as models for jurisdictions nationwide.
The grant funding also supports training, equipment purchases, and coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as emergency management and public safety personnel. Security experts have warned that inconsistent funding can undermine long-term planning and weaken preparedness efforts in high-risk regions.
The Homeland Security Grant Program remains one of the federal government’s primary tools for addressing terrorism threats in major metropolitan areas. Lawmakers stressed that future allocations should remain risk-based and focused on measurable security outcomes.