[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 75 (Thursday, June 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO REAUTHORIZE THE STATE CRIMINAL ALIEN 
                           ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2000

  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the purpose of introducing 
legislation to reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program. 
This program is a valuable one that has done much to address the costs 
incurred by states and localities in incarcerating illegal criminal 
aliens since its creation in 1994 under the Violent Crime Control and 
Law Enforcement Act.
  The proposal I offer today is a simple one. This bill reaffirms our 
belief in the value of this program and strengthens our commitment to 
it by increasing significantly the authorized funding level over the 
next four years. The authorized level for this program has increased 
each year since 1995, when it was set at $130 million. This year, $340 
million was authorized.
  I propose today to increase the funding level for this program to 
$850 million a year. This increase, I believe, acknowledges the 
importance of supporting programs which have proven to be successful. 
More importantly, I believe it aids us in meeting our responsibility at 
the federal level to assist states and localities in the effort to keep 
our communities safe. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this initiative.

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