[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 31 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E371]]
       LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANTS ACT OF 1995

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                               speech of

                          HON. MARTIN R. HOKE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 1995

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 728) to 
     control crime by providing law enforcement block grants.

  Mr. HOKE. Mr. Chairman, my amendment simply requires local 
governments to assess the impact of school security measures, crime 
prevention programs and juvenile crime prevention programs funded under 
this bill, and to submit their findings to the Bureau of Justice 
Assistance.
  Much has been made of the effectiveness of prevention programs, 
however, Mr. Chairman there is little empirical evidence of their 
effect on crime. This amendment provides a mechanism by which Congress 
can assess such programs and make more informed decisions in future 
crime legislation.
  While opponents might argue that this is another unfunded mandate, I 
believe that the legislative language is broad enough to assuage these 
fears. By merely requiring that localities have an adequate process, 
the amendment provides wide latitude in carrying out this directive.
  I urge its adoption.
     Amendment To H.R. 728, As Reported Offered By Mr. Hoke of Ohio

       Page 12, line 4, strike ``and''.
       Page 12, line 7, strike ``101(a)(2).'' and insert 
     ``101(a)(2); and''.
       Page 12, after line 7, insert the following:
       ``(10) the unit of local government--
       ``(A) has an adequate process to assess the impact of any 
     enhancement of a school security measure that is undertaken 
     under subparagraph (B) of section 101(a)(2), or any crime 
     prevention programs that are established under subparagraphs 
     (C) and (E) of section 101(a)(2), on the incidence of crime 
     in the geographic area where the enhancement is undertaken or 
     the program is established;
       ``(B) will conduct such an assessment with respect to each 
     such enhancement or program; and
       ``(C) will submit an annual written assessment report to 
     the Director.
     

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