September 1, 2026
FROM SEN. GILLIBRAND: Today, less than two weeks before the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City on 9/11, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement after New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called on the Trump administration to fully restore New York’s counterterrorism funding: “President Trump is using New Yorkers as political pawns once again,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York is the leading terrorist target in the nation. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, defunding our law enforcement and counterterrorism operations is especially egregious and unsafe. I will keep fighting to ensure New Yorkers are protected and our state receives the funding it needs to keep us all safe.” Last year, the Trump administration cut $187 million, or 86%, from New York’s federal counterterrorism funding – the largest federal defunding of police operations in New York in decades. After pressure from state and federal leaders, the Federal Emergency Management Agency restored $100 million, leaving New York without $87 million to support local law enforcement and counterterrorism operations. Specifically, the remaining $87 million would support security preparedness efforts including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities.
FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL: Governor Kathy Hochul today called on President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to fully fund New York’s counterterrorism efforts by releasing the $87 million in federal funds still owed to New York. Last year, the Trump Administration cut critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding in New York State by 86 percent, or $187 million. Governor Hochul fought this reckless cut by appealing directly to President Trump, who promised to fully restore New York State’s funding. After nearly one year of waiting, New York State is still owed $87 million to support intelligence operations, transit hub security, and equipment, training, and preparedness for sheriffs and police departments across the state. “By holding this funding hostage, the Trump Administration is defunding the police,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target – and if President Trump and Secretary Mullin really care about public safety, they should stop playing games and fully fund our vital counterterrorism efforts.” The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities. HSGP was created in 2003 in the aftermath of 9/11 and comprises three separate grants –– the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) and Operation Stonegarden. Under SHSP and UASI, 80 percent of the funding is allocated to local entities while 20 percent is reserved for state projects. New York State received cuts to both its SHSP and UASI allocations. Following an extended delay in 2025, DHS released the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for HSGP, giving states the ability to access this critical funding. However, despite being the nation’s number one terrorist target, New York’s allocation was cut by 40 percent ($87 million). Then, without notice nor explanation, New York was cut an additional $100 million when DHS issued the awards on September 27, 2025. After dogged advocacy by Governor Hochul, President Trump committed to reversing these misguided cuts in October of 2025, when he stated on Truth Social that he was “…pleased to advise that [he] reversed the cuts made to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism for New York City and State. It was [his] Honor to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Almost one year later, New York State has only received $100 million of the amount owed following an order by a federal judge, with nearly $87 million outstanding.
Specifically, access to the remaining $87 million would ensure full funding of:
The NYPD’s intelligence analysts and counterterrorism unit;
The FDNY’s interoperable communication and radiological response capabilities;
Joint Task Force Empire Shield which is responsible for the New York National Guard presence in transit hubs.
New York State’s 12 certified bomb squads; and
Equipment purchases, training, exercises and preparedness efforts for counties, sheriffs and local police departments.
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “Governor Hochul has made record investments in the State’s emergency preparedness and counterterrorism efforts, but New York State cannot do this alone. Having a commitment from our federal partners to fight terrorism is critical when it comes to the State’s preparedness capabilities, and any further delay in fully funding these efforts is putting the safety and security of all New Yorkers at risk.”
New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said, “Counterterrorism funding is a critical part of that work, supporting the intelligence, training, planning, and coordination that strengthens our emergency preparedness across the city. New York City has shown time and again that we are ready to meet the moment, and we need our federal partners to uphold their commitment and provide the resources necessary to keep New Yorkers safe.”
New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target and just underwent a historic summer of mass gathering events with the FIFA World Cup, International Naval Review, America 250 celebrations, and New York Knicks’ championship run and parade. This required an unprecedented safety and security preparedness effort coordinated with State and City officials to ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers and visitors. If the federal government refuses to fully fund the State’s counterterrorism efforts, it puts future planning, coordination and security at risk.
UASI Funding Cut
In New York, UASI funding is reserved for jurisdictions within the New York City metropolitan areas to sustain and enhance critical anti-terrorism and intelligence sharing programs. Allocations are determined by New York’s Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) which is comprised of New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, the City of Yonkers and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
