|
Update from "The Charles Group" |
|
|
|
Written by Jim Henderson
|
|
Sunday, 25 March 2007 |
|
This from the National Narcotic Officers’ Association Coalition lobbyist “The Charles Group”:
|
Washington Influence
FY'07 State and Local Justice Assistance funding amounts to be released next week by the Justice Department... Due to the long-term Continuing Resolution (C.R.) passed by Congress last month, The U.S. Department of Justice was asked by Congress to provide spending plans for different discretionary programs within the Department of Justice. Unlike past funding cycles where earmarks were assigned to specific programs, the C.R. was not earmarked and the Justice Department has found itself with the responsibility of distributing funds that are normally assigned to specific programs in appropriations conference reports, meaning there is a very real possibility of additional competitive grant opportunities for state and local programs focused on drug policy and law enforcement issues.
Around the Corner
Byrne JAG Reauthorization marked-up in Senate Judiciary; floor time unclear... S.231, which extends the current authorization of Byrne JAG from 2009 until 2012 at the currently-authorized level $1.1 billion, was marked up favorably in the Senate Judiciary Committee without amendments. The measure contains 28 bi-partisan co-sponsors, including both Chairman and Ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate's #2 leader in Majority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL) and several 2008 Presidential hopefuls - Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), Barack Obama (D-IL) and Joseph Biden (D-DE). Floor consideration remains unclear; however, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the sponsor of S.231, remains hopeful that the measure will be considered and passed by the full Senate before the summer recess. This is very good news to state and local law enforcement and the drug policy community, as Byrne has seen significant cuts in the President's yearly budget proposals the past several years.
|
|
