Smith Cosponsored Bill Increases Police Funding

Press Release

A law enforcement funding bill cosponsored by Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) was approved by the House of Representatives today. The COPS bill (H.R. 1700) is a product of the House Judiciary Committee, for which Smith serves as Ranking Member.

"America's local law enforcement agencies are on the front lines combating and preventing crime every day," stated Ranking Member Smith. "Their dedication, service and innovative policing programs led to a 34 percent decrease in violent crime over the past 10 years."

The COPS program, originally enacted in 1994, provides grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire police officers and purchase new crime-fighting technology. The program ensures grant money is not used to replace state or local funding, but to increase funds for community policing.

Today's vote coincides with "National Police Week" in Washington, D.C. Thousands of police officers from across the country, including many from Texas, are in the nation's capital to memorialize fallen officers.

"Criminals today are smarter and better equipped than ever before," explained Smith. "This funding helps our police match them person for person, dollar for dollar and technology for technology. We owe our police at least that much."

The bill passed the House of Representatives today with broad, bipartisan support and is now headed to the Senate for consideration.

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