King: Terror arrest shows need for funding

Rep. Peter King cited the announcement Sunday night of a "lone wolf" terror suspect's arrest to urge that Homeland Security funding for Long Island and New York City not be reduced.

King (R-Seaford), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and two Republican House members from the city have written to the chamber's leadership, arguing that the area remains a prized terrorist target and that an attack here would be "devastating to our national economy." Congress is completing its Homeland Security appropriations for 2012.

King released his letter hours before Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly announced the arrest of a homegrown terror suspect who authorities say planned to blow up patrol cars, post offices and returning military service members.

In an interview before they spoke Sunday night, King said the House version of the appropriation includes $1 billion in cuts to Homeland Security spending; $600 million would be cut in the Senate version.

King said he and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) aim to ensure that whatever final reduction is approved, no security funds leave the region.

"We want to make sure that New York City and Long Island are protected," King said. "We are without a doubt . . . the top target in the country."

In the letter, King said that, in addition to the World Trade Center attacks in 1993 and on 9/11, the city has been the target of 13 known terror plots.

He amended that number to 14 in his interview following the arrest announcement, and said the lack of federal involvement shows that local authorities need the funds more than ever.

"This shows the necessity of having strong local law enforcement in counterterrorism, especially in New York City and on Long Island," he said. "If anything, this arrest is just one more dramatic example of how we can't afford to lose even a penny."