NEW YORK - U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is slamming a White House proposal that would cut nearly $300 million from counterterrorism programs.

The New York Democrat notes that the recently released budget proposal would reduce the Urban Area Security Initiative from $600 million to $330 million. The initiative helps cities nationwide with programs to prevent, respond to and recover from extremist attacks.

Schumer says the proposal is "ill-advised" and "makes no sense." He is pushing President Barack Obama to reconsider the cuts.

Schumer says the funding is needed to keep counterterrorism programs fully operational, especially in New York City. The money is used for training programs and to fund patrols at airports, transit hubs and waterways.