Federal budget showdown could affect Anniston Center for Domestic Preparedness

Among those nationwide eying a possible Department of Homeland Security budget shutdown this week is Anniston's Center for Domestic Preparedness.

The center gives training in classes - and hi-tech, on-campus simulations - to first responders from all 50 states in how to deal with disasters. Center officials are already considering contingencies if the budget impasse is not solved before midnight Friday.

Congress is currently skirmishing over funding for Homeland Security, as Republicans have tied passage of a funding proposal to their opposition of President Obama's actions on immigration. DHS has budget authority through midnight Feb. 27. Funding proposals are currently before the Senate.

How would it affect the center?

Rafael Lamaitre, a director of public affairs for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said at least two weeks of classes would be cancelled immediately if the funding stops. The longer the shutdown, the more classes would be affected. The center trains about 950 people a week.

A shutdown would also mean furloughs for some of the center's employees.

During the last government shutdown in October 2013, about 86 percent of FEMA's workforce of 4,000 people was furloughed. The center employs about 800 people.