Dreier Co-Sponsors House
Reauthorization of SCAAP Program
SCAAP program critical to California

September 30, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - The House of Representatives this week approved an amendment sponsored by Congressmen Jim Kolbe (R-AZ), David Dreier (R-San Dimas), and Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) to re-authorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) through fiscal year 2011. The amendment, which was added to H.R. 3402, the Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act for fiscal years 2006-2009, was approved by voice vote. H.R. 3402 subsequently passed the House with broad bipartisan support, 415-4.

“Protecting our borders is a critical federal responsibility,” Dreier said. “The SCAAP program is designed to fulfill the federal government's responsibility to reimburse states and localities for the significant costs they incur when jailing illegal aliens. Passage of this amendment demonstrates our unwavering support for local law enforcement as they uphold the law and protect our communities.”

The Kolbe/Dreier/Lewis amendment authorizes $750 million for SCAAP in fiscal year 2006, $850 million in fiscal year 2007, and $950 million for each of fiscal years 2008-2011, levels previously agreed to in the Senate earlier this year. It also adds an additional measure of accountability and oversight to the SCAAP program. It requires the DOJ Inspector General to report to Congress on how effectively jurisdictions that receive SCAAP funding are cooperating with the Department of Homeland Security on deporting criminal aliens.

“As we proceed with our agenda of securing our borders and stopping illegal immigration, this vote of confidence in the SCAAP program is a huge step forward. I will continue to pursue additional immigration reform measures, including my bill, H.R. 98, the Bonner Plan, to crack down on employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens.” Dreier thanked his colleagues Jim Kolbe, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, and Jerry Lewis, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, for their leadership on this issue. He also thanked the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Jim Sensenbrenner, for supporting the amendment on the House floor.