(Washington, DC) Much of Louisville's security depends on funding through Administration of Justice programs such as Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), Assistance to Firefighter Grants, and Juvenile Justice Funding, so when the President's budget called for dramatic cuts to all four programs, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) took action.

Last week, Congressman Yarmuth called on Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt and Ranking Member Paul Ryan to restore the funding to all Louisville's critical first responder programs.  Today, by a vote of 216 to 210 the House of Representatives passed a budget that increases COPS, Byrne-JAG, AFG, Juvenile Justice Funding, and other Administration of Justice programs by more than $1 billion.

 "I am thankful to my colleagues for recognizing the importance of providing our first responders with the resources and equipment needed to keep our community safe," Congressman Yarmuth said.  "A failure to fund these programs would have seriously jeopardized the security of Louisville's first responders and the families they protect."

"These funds help us put additional police officers on the street, purchase equipment for our officers and secure mobile data terminals for our firefighters and paramedics," said Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson.  "I appreciate Congressman Yarmuth's leadership in helping restore funding for these critical programs that protect the health and safety of our residents."