WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) today introduced legislation to extend the life of a grant initiative that supports border law enforcement agencies.
The two Senators secured $30 million in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 for state and local law enforcement agencies along the border and those within High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HITDAs). The funding awarded through the Department of Justice will be used to control reduce and prevent criminal narcotics activity.
More than 230 law enforcement agencies applied for the ARRA grants with requests for funding totaling over $300 million. To meet the need that law enforcement agencies are demonstrating Bingaman and Hutchison introduced the Border Law Enforcement Anti-Drug Trafficking Act of 2009.
The bill would formalize the grant program ensuring that even when ARRA funds are depleted DOJ can continue to award grants.
The dramatic increase in drug-related crime in Mexico meant border-area law enforcement agencies had to significantly step up their efforts in recent months. Judging from the number of applications already filed it is clear that border-area law enforcement agencies need additional support. Our legislation would provide that help" Bingaman said.
As crime and violence surge in Mexico Texas communities are on the front lines of this escalating threat. More must be done to secure our borders and ensure the continued safety and prosperity of communities in Texas and across the nation" said Hutchison. Our efforts to overcome the challenges of criminal drug-trafficking on our border must include increased funding to equip local law enforcement officials along the southern border and in high-intensity drug trafficking areas with the resources necessary to keep their communities safe."
Specifically the legislation would:
· Establish a grant program within the Department of Justice aimed at assisting law enforcement located within the states of Arizona California New Mexico or Texas or within jurisdictions designated as HIDTAs by the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (counties designated by the Federal government as facing serious drug trafficking problems);
· Assist state tribal or local law enforcement including agencies which employ prosecutors probation officers parole officers and community corrections officials with priority in awarding grants for law enforcement performing duties within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border;
· Provide resources to address drug-related criminal activity including resources to: obtain equipment; hire personnel; facilitate information sharing and collaboration; establish crime prevention efforts; strengthen multi-jurisdictional partnerships; enhance detention operations; reduce recidivism rates; and provide training and technical assistance; and
· Authorize $100 million a year through 2015 to carry out this Act.
