Contact: Vincent M. Perez (202) 225-4831

TEXAS BORDER CONGRESSMEN ANNOUNCE $5 MILLION FOR TEXAS BORDER SHERIFF’S COALITION

**Reyes speaks at a special ceremony with NASA Astronaut Dr. Danny Olivas at the National Border Patrol Museum in El Paso

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Washington, Sep 9 - U.S. Representatives Silvestre Reyes, Ciro Rodriguez, Solomon Ortiz, Ruben Hinojosa, and Henry Cuellar today announced $4,850,000 in federal funding for the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition to support border county sheriff’s departments from El Paso to Brownsville.  The funding will be used to bolster border security efforts and maintain strong cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the border region.

The funding is made possible by the Department of Justice Congressionally Recommended Awards Program.  Funding from the program is used for initiatives recommended by Congress to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.

“Having an effective border security strategy requires close collaboration between our local, state, and federal partners,” Congressman Reyes said.  “This grant is another needed investment by the federal government to help our local law enforcement agencies keep our region safe, particularly as local governments and our state face massive deficits.”

Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23-D) said the funding for the Coalition will greatly enhance ongoing efforts to secure our borders and protect Texas communities.

“Having represented the Texas border region in Congress for many years, I understand the needs and concerns of this region.  This $4.8 million in funding for the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition will be a welcome addition on the ground at a time when border security is more important than ever,” said Congressman Rodriguez. “I am committed to ensuring that border security remains a priority in Congress and I am pleased that this Justice Department funding will now be available to help further that goal.”

“The Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition continues to do great work along the more than 1,200 miles of Texas-Mexico border," Congressman Solomon Ortiz said.  "I find it important that we provide funding and resources to these brave men and women who are out there serving on the frontlines. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress; especially the Members of Congress that represent border districts, to ensure our local law enforcement agencies have the training, equipment and personnel to carry on the difficult task of securing the border.”

“I am pleased that the Department of Justice has recognized the work the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition has done to provide a coordinated response to border law enforcement issues," Congressman Ruben Hinojosa said.  "This federal funding will help improve the security of every border resident.”

"These $5 million could not have come at a better time," Congressman Henry Cuellar said.  "Our men and women in law enforcement continue to fight crime along the border and these funds will provide them with the resources they need to keep up the good work and keep our communities safe."

The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition will use the funds for border security efforts.  The goal of the grant funds is to ensure effective cooperation with federal, state, and local partners to keep border the border region safe.  
 
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