WASHINGTON (February 1, 2007) – The House of Representatives passed yesterday increases to critical local law enforcement programs for Fiscal Year 2007.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants to state and local law enforcement is funded at $520 million, $152 million (29%) more than the House-passed bill that was never enacted and $109 million (21%) more than Fiscal Year 2006. President Bush proposed that the Byrne Grants be eliminated entirely.
The Community Orientated Policing Services (COPS) Program is funded at $542 million, $70 million (13%) more than the current funding.
“For too long, our law enforcement officers have been shortchanged and public safety has suffered because of it,” said Congressman Chandler. “This bill is a first step in restoring critical funding to our first responders.”
Because the 109th Congress failed to pass 9 of 11 annual appropriations bills last fall, the 110th Congress had to act in order to avoid a government shutdown. This bill, known as a Continuing Resolution, funds the federal government through the remainder of FY 2007 which ends on September 30, 2007. It will be considered by the Senate in the coming days and if passed, will be sent to the President for a signature.
“The President will be sending his FY 2008 budget to Congress next week. It is important that the Congress was able to complete leftover work on FY 2007 appropriations, and I’m thrilled that this bill recognizes the importance of local law enforcement programs.”
###
