As part of the bill, the Bee County Sheriff’s Department will receive $250,000 to train and equip several new officers – helping the community that is on the northern route of border drug trafficking.
The legislation contains two top priorities – protecting Americans at home and spurring scientific research and innovation. Passage of the bill includes funding for several projects and programs that will directly benefit South Texas communities.
“This legislation represents key investments in our priorities, including keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe,” said Congressman Hinojosa. “As a result of this bill and the Recovery Act we passed earlier this year, we’ll be able to boost crime prevention and increase research that will spur economic development”
The bipartisan Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill begins to lay a new foundation for lasting prosperity and security with investments in programs that help local and state governments keep their citizens safe, and research and development programs that facilitate scientific innovation and discovery. In an effort to find savings and fund higher-priority programs, the bill eliminates 11 programs and cuts funding for another 13 programs below the 2009 level.
Nationally, in the areas of justice and crime-prevention, the legislation provides:
·A $802 million to the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to support local law enforcement agencies with personnel, technology, and training grants.
·A $300 million for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, to provide federal payments to states and localities that incurred correctional officer salary costs for incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens..
·Invests $1.1 billion in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to reduce violent crime and combat drug trafficking along the southwest border.
·Provides $1.5 billion for the Department-wide Southwest Border Initiative, for activities to combat violence, stop the flow of illegal weapons and drug trafficking, bring dangerous criminals to justice, and improve law enforcement capabilities along the southwest border.
The bill also makes significant investments in scientific research and innovation. Specifically, the legislation:
·Provides $1 billion for Science Education, to support all aspects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education from kindergarten through graduate school.
· Authorizes $25 million to Economic Development Administration for green building initiatives.
·Includes $125 million to the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, to help small and mid-size manufacturers complete globally by providing them with technical advice and access to technology, as well as leveraging private funds to save and create jobs.
The bill also includes $293 million for Economic Development Assistance, a program to help local communities address economic challenges through innovation and competitiveness and to attract private investments that will create jobs.
The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration.
“America’s success has always depended on our ability to innovate,” Hinojosa said. “To keep up and compete in a new global economy, we must support scientific research, discovery and education at every level. I’m proud to say that this bill makes historic investments to encourage the work of our scientists, researchers, students and educators.”
Post a Comment