U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved $10 million for the Kentucky-based National Institute for Hometown Security (NIHS). NIHS, with the collaboration of Kentucky universities and colleges, develops next generation security solutions at the behest of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate. Rogers secured this funding in H.R. 2892, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010.

“Terrorism is a real threat and we need advanced research to ensure that our security risks and vulnerabilities are adequately addressed,” said Rogers. “Investing in technology and research is critical to solving the challenges we face today and in the future. Protecting our country from terrorist attacks, preparing and responding to natural disaster, and hardening our infrastructure are all key to keeping America safe. Right here in Kentucky, NIHS and our renowned universities, are conducting this vital and important research.”

The non-profit NIHS performs a critical, partnering role with the Science and Technology Directorate of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Directorate identifies the nation’s security technology needs, and NIHS works with Kentucky’s academic community to develop and commercialize solutions for use in the private sector. The Kentucky Homeland Security University Consortium, founded in 2004 along with NIHS, provides the research assets for this initiative. Consortium members are Eastern Kentucky University, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University. Broadening the outreach to the statewide academic community, members of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities work with the consortium.

H.R. 2892 has been referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Rogers supports important initiatives for the Fifth Congressional District.