wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

The Bush administration's proposed cuts to counterterrorism grant programs would threaten the safety of U.S. cities, according to several New York politicians.

REPORTER: US Senator Charles Schumer is blasting the plan, which would cut Homeland Security grants for states and cities from $3.4 billion in fiscal year 2007 to $1.4 billion in 2009.

SCHUMER: For the first time ever, the president's budget completely eliminates port and transit security grants and dramatically cuts the high-threat programs -- and that's New York's bread and butter --cuts that program in half.

REPORTER: Schumer's Senate colleague Hillary Clinton has written a letter to President Bush calling the move "unimaginable." "Stunning" is the word Mayor Bloomberg's office is using, saying New York City's homeland security funds are already inadequate.

The federal government has given $23 billion dollars in anti-terror grants to states and municipalities since 9/11. Some Bush administration officials say high-risk cities have largely satisfied their emergency need to boost security.

Office of Management and Budget officials say the proposals have yet to be finalized.