[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 20 (Thursday, February 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF H. RES. 110--SUPPORTING THE WEED AND SEED AND COPS 
                                PROGRAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2007

  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss 
legislation I introduced, in support of the Community Oriented Policing 
Services in the Department of Justice and the Weed and Seed program, 
led by the United States Attorney's Offices.
  These two programs are the bedrock of community involvement in ending 
the cycle of violence that plagues our cities.
  Weed and Seed is an innovative, comprehensive, multi-agency approach 
to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization.
  It is a strategy that aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent 
crime, drug abuse, and gang activity.
  The U.S. Attorney's Office plays a leadership role in organizing 
local officials, community representatives, and other key stakeholders.
  Frankly, I am pleased the highest federal prosecutor in the region is 
getting involved with the community he or she is prosecuting. These 
United States Attorneys work hard and do not want to see people in the 
system.
  Every Weed and Seed site is required to establish a Safe Haven, a 
multi-service center where many youth- and adult-oriented services are 
delivered. These are often housed in a school or community center.
  The main goal of Weed and Seed is promoting the long-term health of 
communities.
  However, the funding for this worthy program has hit some rough spots 
in recent years.
  Funding for the program increased every year from its inception in 
1993.
  In 2005, $62 million was appropriated. However, requested funding in 
subsequent years fell to $50 million in 2006 and $49 million in 2007. 
This is a program that works.
  We must continue the funding. Our cities need it. Our children need 
it.
  My resolution also discusses the positive aspects of the COPS 
Program.
  The community-oriented policing component bridges the ``weeding'' and 
``seeding'' elements of the Weed and Seed strategy.
  I think we all can agree that community-based strategies for solving 
crime problems brings a sense of responsibility within the community 
and help develop cooperative relationships between the police and 
residents.
  Also, community policing embraces the two key concepts of community 
engagement and problem solving.
  Having the community involved is the most important aspect to 
preventing crime and removing our kids from the vicious cycle of 
violence.
  When everyone gets involved, we all benefit.
  The COPS Program has been an overwhelming success.
  COPS has funded more than 118,400 police officers and sheriff's 
deputies.
  COPS has funded more than 6,454 school resource officers and trained 
more than 9,158 school resource officers and school administrators.
  COPS has funded large and small jurisdictions, in fact 87% of COPS 
grantees serve populations of less than 50,000.
  That is a community benefiting from Cops on the beat.
  However, this president does not see fit to fund this program. In 
fact, the Bush Administration has not funded the COPS program for the 
last few years.
  We can do better, and this resolution is a good beginning.




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