by Dennis McGrann, POAM Lobbyist, Washington, D.C.

This summer, Members of Congress in both houses have been focused on passing the annual federal funding appropriations bills while debating contentious legislation including the Iraq war, immigration, and a number of energy proposals. Congress has been especially busy in preparation for the annual month long August recess, which is scheduled to begin Friday, August 3rd.

On July 12th, 2007, the House Appropriations Committee approved the 2008 Commerce-Justice-Science (H.R. 3093) spending measure by voice vote. The $53.6 billion bill allocates $24 billion to the Justice Department and reflects a 4.8% increase from fiscal year 2007 and 3% more than the Administration's proposal for FY 2008. The Senate companion measure (S. 1745) was approved by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on June 28, 2007 and awaits final Senate floor action. The bill includes $1 billion more in discretionary budget authority than the House version at $54.6 billion, with the Justice Department receiving $24.3 billion.

Much of the debate in both the House and Senate "markups" of the CJS spending bill centered on a hotly debated provision that has been in law since 2003. Despite objections from many Members of both committees, this provision, known as the "Tiahrt Amendment," was included in both versions of the bill. The provision restricts the sharing of federal gun-trace data with local law enforcement, prevents its dissemination to cities and bars its use in civil lawsuits against firearm makers and sellers. Given the level of opposition that this provision has, it is likely to remain an issue for some time. The POAM Washington office will continue to closely monitor any developments regarding this amendment.

In other action affecting local law enforcement the Homeland Security Appropriations bill (H.R. 2638 and S. 1644) was marked up by both House and Senate Appropriations Committees and has also been voted on the floor in both houses. The House allocated $36.3 billion for Homeland Security in their version, while the Senate allocated $40.6 billion. These bills will now be reconciled in Conference Committee, which will likely not occur until after the August recess.

Local law enforcement agencies scored a major legislative victory when the Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant Program received a huge boost in both the House and Senate. The House Appropriations Committee Report allocated $590 Million for the program and $147.5 million for Byrne Discretionary Grants. The Senate funded Byrne-Jag at $660 million and Byrne discretionary grants at $190 million. These two bills will be reconciled this fall and a final funding level will be determined at that time.

The Senate also passed legislation (S. 231) reauthorizing the criminal justice grant program at nearly $1.1 billion annually through the fiscal year 2012. The $1.1 billion annual budget is a funding increase of $268 million for fiscal 2008 and an increase of $350 million for fiscal 2009. The current authorization runs through fiscal 2009 and Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin were both co-sponsors of this critical legislation. Following Senate passage the bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. On June 25, this legislation, still referred to as S. 231, was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security where it awaits consideration.

On May 15th, 2007 the House passed The COPS Improvement Act of 2007, H.R. 1700, by a wide margin of 381-34, increasing the amount of funding authorized for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. It will now be funded at $1.15 billion in each of the next six fiscal years starting in 2008. The administration requested a reduction in the amount of grants given to local law enforcement but broad bipartisan support of the COPS program made that unlikely prior to House consideration. Michigan Congressman Bart Stupak (D-1) and John Conyers (D-14) are both co-sponsors of this important law enforcement legislation.

The COPS bill would allocate $600 million annually for six years to go towards officers hired to perform intelligence, anti-terror, or homeland security duties. $350 million annually would be dedicated for technology grants. An additional $200 million will be directed towards helping local district attorneys hire community prosecutors. The legislation also provides funding for a recruiting program for military veterans to pursue law enforcement careers. The Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on June 20, on their version, (S. 368). Senator Debbie Stabenow is a cosponsor of this essential legislation.

Another key piece of legislation the POAM Washington office is following is the Public Safety Officer Family Health Benefits Act (H.R. 2391) sponsored by Congressman Bart Stupak (D-1), co-chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus. Introduced on May 17th, 2007, the Act would allow an individual who is a family member of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty to enroll in a federal employee health benefits plan for themselves or their family. The legislation has been referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia. Currently, no members of the Michigan delegation are co-sponsors of this bill. The POAM will be circulating letters to the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation urging them to support this vital legislation.

The Washington, DC office of POAM will be closely following the appropriations process and other legislation that is pertinent to the police officers of Michigan. If you have any questions or need additional information please do not hesitate to contact us at (202) 544-9840.