Cao Speaks In Support Of Witness Security And Protection Grant Program Act

Press Release

Today, Congressman Anh "Joseph" Cao (LA-2) spoke on the House floor in support of the Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act.

The bill would require the Attorney General to make competitive grants to eligible state, and local prosecutors to establish and maintain protection and witness assistance programs involving homicides, serious violent felonies, or serious drug offenses.

Cao said: "The Witness Security and Protection Grant Program will go a long way towards addressing the issue of crime in my district because without adequate protection and assurances, these witnesses will stop coming forward and crime will remain out-of-control."

Crime is the number one issue of concern in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. Since June 1st, the City of New Orleans alone has already seen 80 murders.

Cao cited two recent instances of crime: one involving the family of Sgt. Manuel Curry whose home was broken into just hours after his death. The other involving Minister Olander Cassimere and his wife whose murders are believed to be connected to a relative's plan to testify in a kidnapping / attempted murder case.

Holding the stories in his hand, Cao said: "Reading these articles makes me angry and sick…"

"If these stories don't paint a picture of out-of-control crime, I don't know what will. I continue to meet with law enforcement and prosecution officials in my district and am working with them to leverage federal resources. They must have all the resources they can get."

Source