[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 92 (Thursday, June 18, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H6976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORT FULL FUNDING FOR THE STATE CRIMINAL ALIEN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

  (Mr. HALL of New York asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. HALL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
full funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, or SCAAP. 
I am pleased that the House has rejected calls to eliminate this 
program. I hope the Senate will do the same because in these difficult 
economic times it is more important than ever for the Federal 
Government, not local taxpayers, to pay when illegal immigrants are 
detained.
  Last year, the five counties I represent in New York's Hudson Valley 
received more than $1.2 million in Federal reimbursement for costs 
associated with detaining undocumented aliens, funding that is 
essential for local law enforcement to keep our communities safe.
  SCAAP requires the Federal Government to step up to its 
responsibilities and foot the bill for its failure to enforce our 
immigration laws. We must continue to support this vital public safety 
and taxpayer protection program.

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