Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Authorization

Floor Speech

* Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, ensuring that local law enforcement officials are provided with the resources they need to effectively protect our communities requires nothing less than our sustained commitment and dedication. That's why I am proud to support of H.R. 3546, the Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant, JAG, Reauthorization Act.

* The Byrne-JAG program provides State and local governments with the tools necessary to prevent and control crime while strengthening our criminal justice system. These grants help fund law enforcement programs targeting school violence, hate crimes, and victims of violent crimes. Additionally, Byrne-JAG grants enable state, regional, and local agencies to confront and overcome the threats posed by drug trafficking through providing essential funding to improve drug enforcement and treatment programs. By using these grants to develop multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, law enforcement officials from around the country have been able to foster institutional collaboration built on their shared expertise and training.

* Last year, the City of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County in my Congressional District were fortunate enough to receive Byrne-JAG grants, which went to support programs designed to assist in the prevention of drug use, treat non-violent offenders, and improve the effectiveness of our criminal justice system. That's why I'm a cosponsor of H.R. 3546, which would reauthorize the Byrne-JAG program until 2012. Despite the Bush Administration's efforts to eliminate funding for this important program, I commend the Democratic Leadership for demonstrating their commitment to full funding for Byrne-JAG by bringing this legislation to the Floor.

* Local law enforcement officials depend on Byrne-JAG grants to invest in strategies that combat crime and drugs. Without these resources, State and local law enforcement cannot take the steps they need to protect our families and our country's most precious resources, our children and young adults, from violence and drug abuse. Madam Speaker, it's our responsibility to make certain these brave men and women have the support necessary to perform their jobs. It's the least we can do.

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