[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      COPS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2007

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in support of the 
COPS Improvement Act.
  Created by President Clinton, COPS grants have successfully put 
117,000 police officers in our neighborhoods. The formula is simple--
more cops means safer streets and more secure neighborhoods.
  As a result of this tough-on-crime policy, our nation experienced a 
significant drop in crime rates throughout the 1990s. Unfortunately, 
last year the Republican-led Congress completely eliminated funding for 
this highly successful initiative.
  It is no coincidence that when federal funds for COPS grants dried 
up, violent crime rates escalated. For example, last year the City of 
Philadelphia experienced a nine-year high in homicides, claiming 406 
lives. This shamefully high number of homicides included my 
constituent, Police Officer Gary Skerski, who was shot while responding 
to a robbery.
  Last week was the one-year anniversary of Officer Skerski's death, 
and we must not forget the sacrifices that he and the other officers 
have made to protect their communities.
  That is why I am pleased that the Democratic Majority is taking steps 
to restore funding for COPS grants. As a result of this bill, we will 
put 50,000 new officers on our nation's streets, provide local law 
enforcement with additional tools and resources to combat crime, and 
better ensure that criminals are put behind bars.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation has been endorsed by the Fraternal 
Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, and 
the National Sheriffs' Association. These men and women serve our 
constituents every day, and they rely on us to support them with 
necessary equipment and resources for essential personnel.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  May 16, 2007--On Page E1068 the following appeared: Madam 
Speaker, this legislation has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order 
of Police,
  
  The online version should be corrected to read: Mr. Speaker, 
this legislation has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of 
Police,


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  I thank my colleagues for protecting our citizens by voting ``yes'' 
on this important bill.

                          ____________________