[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION

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                               speech of

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 23, 2008

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, ensuring that local law enforcement 
officials are provided with the resources they need to effectively 
protect our communities requires nothing less than our sustained 
commitment and dedication. That's why I am proud to support of H.R. 
3546, the Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant, JAG, Reauthorization Act.
  The Byrne-JAG program provides State and local governments with the 
tools necessary to prevent and control crime while strengthening our 
criminal justice system. These grants help fund law enforcement 
programs targeting school violence, hate crimes, and victims of violent 
crimes. Additionally, Byrne-JAG grants enable state, regional, and 
local agencies to confront and overcome the threats posed by drug 
trafficking through providing essential funding to improve drug 
enforcement and treatment programs. By using these grants to develop 
multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, law enforcement officials from 
around the country have been able to foster institutional collaboration 
built on their shared expertise and training.
  Last year, the City of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County in my 
Congressional District were fortunate enough to receive Byrne-JAG 
grants, which went to support programs designed to assist in the 
prevention of drug use, treat non-violent offenders, and improve the 
effectiveness of our criminal justice system. That's why I'm a 
cosponsor of H.R. 3546, which would reauthorize the Byrne-JAG program 
until 2012. Despite the Bush Administration's efforts to eliminate 
funding for this important program, I commend the Democratic Leadership 
for demonstrating their commitment to full funding for Byrne-JAG by 
bringing this legislation to the Floor.
  Local law enforcement officials depend on Byrne-JAG grants to invest 
in strategies that combat crime and drugs. Without these resources, 
State and local law enforcement cannot take the steps they need to 
protect our families and our country's most precious resources, our 
children and young adults, from violence and drug abuse. Madam Speaker, 
it's our responsibility to make certain these brave men and women have 
the support necessary to perform their jobs. It's the least we can do.

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