By Ed Somers
April 2, 2007

While the FY 2008 appropriations process has yet to begin, there are some very encouraging signs regarding the intent of Congress to increase funding for key law enforcement partnership programs - a major priority contained in The U.S. Conference of Mayors' 10-Point Plan.

As previously reported, the FY 2007 Joint Funding Resolution provided the first funding increases for anti-crime programs in recent years. $542 million was appropriated for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), an increase of $70 million. And $520 million was appropriated for Byrne Justice Assistance Formula Grants (Byrne/JAG), an increase of $109 million.

Progress is continuing in Congress. During floor consideration of the FY 2008 Budget Resolution, the Senate approved an amendment offered by Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (DE) to fully fund the COPS program at a level of $1.15 billion. The Biden Amendment was approved on a strong, bi-partisan vote of 65-33, with 16 Republican votes including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY).

Senator Biden, who participated in the Conference's January 2007 Winter Meeting and expressed strong support for the 10-Point Plan, said following the vote, "Crime isn't a Democratic or a Republican issue - it affects all of us… And I'm very glad my colleagues from both sides of the aisle stood with me today to give our law enforcement officers the tools and resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe."

In addition, Senators Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Saxby Chambliss (GA) offered a bi-partisan amendment to fund the Byrne/JAG formula program at $900 million, which was approved by unanimous consent on the Senate floor. The amendment was also co-sponsored by Senators Johnny Isakson (GA) and Lindsey Graham (SC).

"If we're going to call upon folks to do more, then we have to provide the resources they need to carry out their duties. Planning for and providing robust funding for this effective program is essential to the folks we rely on to keep us and our families safe," Senator Chambliss said upon passage.

Efforts are now underway, led by Senator Biden and actively supported by the Conference of Mayors, to make sure that this non-binding support translates to actual funding during upcoming appropriations committee action. Mayors are urged to contact their Senators, especially those on the Appropriations Committee, to urge full funding for anti-crime programs.