Next week will mark 25 years since the worst terrorist attack in American history occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. New York took the biggest brunt when hijackers crashed jets into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, precipitating their collapse, and killing nearly 2,800 people in the process.
The events of 9/11 spurred an incredible partnership between New York City and Washington, DC, in the form of robust investments in counterterrorism. This mutual understanding between City Hall and the White House — forged in patriotism, not in politics — came down to a simple promise: Any price would be paid to prevent another terrorist attack from happening in New York again.
For a quarter-century, the federal government, through three different presidents of both parties, has held up that bargain. Isolated acts of lone-wolf terrorism aside, New York’s counterterrorism partnership has kept this city safe, but also prepared for whatever evildoers may try to do to harm us.
But today, on the verge of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, New York City’s leaders are practically begging President Trump to provide $87 million in crucial counterterrorism grants that his administration promised to provide last year, but has yet to fulfill.
Last year, the White House sought to claw back $187 million in federal funding from New York for counterterrorism; federal Homeland Security officials claimed it was a necessary budget cut. State officials pushed back, and the White House backed down, agreeing to provide full funding.
And yet, nearly a year later, the Trump administration has only paid $100 million of the $187 million. It is not enough, and this unnecessary shortfall puts us all at risk.
The $87 million New York needs through that grant supports the NYPD Bomb Squad, emergency stockpiles and logistics to guard against disasters, public alert programs, and the staffing needed to keep these programs operational. This isn’t pork-barrel spending on vanity; this is critical resources needed to help New York City prevent a disaster and respond to calamity, should it strike.
In criticizing the shortfall on Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul was incensed, charging that Trump was effectively “defunding the police.” But it’s much worse than that. It’s much worse than politics as usual.
Failing to provide proper funding for the security of America’s largest city harms every New Yorker, and every American. We are the capital of commerce and trade in America. Businesses have invested billions upon billions of dollars to operate in New York. Millions of people’s livelihoods depend on them.
One attack can cause irreparable, costly damage. New York required billions of dollars in federal investment to help rebuild in the years after 9/11. And thanks to investments in counterterrorism, we have come out of the attacks stronger than ever as a city and an economic capital.
We don’t want another 9/11. We can help easily prevent one by keeping our counterterrorism efforts strong, and our police well-funded. This should be a no-brainer. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to beg the president of the United States to do the right thing, but, tragically, they have to.
Mr. President, pay up.