New York Congressional Candidates Threaten City's Counter-Terrorism Funds
Two progressive New York candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani plan to vote against the DHS budget, threatening over $215 million in counter-terrorism funds for the city.
Two progressive congressional candidates, Drialis Avila-Chevalier and Claire Valdez, backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are planning a controversial move in Washington. As members of the Democratic Socialists of America, they intend to vote against the Department of Homeland Security budget next year, a move that could slash over $215 million in vital counter-terrorism funding for New York City.
The proposed cuts would directly impact the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), established in 2003 in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The initiative provides nearly $600 million in grants to high-risk urban areas to prevent terrorist strikes. Mayor Mamdani, alongside New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, has previously complained about delays in transferring these funds.
The Impact on Security
Mamdani stressed the critical importance of the funding on Sunday, September 1.
"We are not talking about reports or studies or abstract security proposals. We are talking about the money needed to fully fund 12 bomb squad units across New York."
He added that the funds are essential for effective communications among first responders during a catastrophic attack and for securing equipment against radiological threats.
Political Backing and Criticism
According to sources, candidates Avila-Chevalier and Valdez, who are widely expected to win their elections in November, are coordinating with members of the congressional "Squad," including Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Their goal is to build a strong socialist bloc in Washington and send a message to the Department of Homeland Security, even at the cost of urban security.
The plan is being kept relatively under wraps for fear of causing friction within the broader administration, including Tasha Van Ouden, the mayor's director of mass engagement. Federal legislative sources strongly criticized the move, noting that the lawmakers are fully aware the plan compromises local safety and first-responder readiness.
