For Immediate Release
June 18, 2009

Contact: Michael Eagle
(202) 225-7924

Congresswoman Richardson Votes for Funding in Commerce, Justice and Science

WASHINGTON — Today, after participating in one of the longest voting series in history, Congresswoman Richardson hailed passage of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010 (H.R. 2847), legislation that will invest in two important national priorities: protecting Americans at home and spurring research and innovation. 

The bipartisan Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill begins to lay a new foundation for lasting growth and security with investments in programs that help local and state governments keep their citizens safe, and continue research and development programs that facilitate scientific innovation and discovery.

The legislation will provide $298 million for Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Grants (COPS).  This funding, along with the $1 billion provided for the COPS Hiring Grants in the Recovery Act, will enable the hiring of approximately 7,000 additional police officers nation-wide and possibly up to 941 officers in California alone.

 In the areas of justice and crime-prevention, the legislation also:

• Significantly increases funding for the FBI to boost our national security efforts, address the growing threat of cyber crime and prosecute financial fraud.
• Invests heavily in protecting our borders, providing $2 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration to combat drug trafficking with 128 new positions in the Southwest and enhanced resources to investigate, disrupt and dismantle major Mexican drug cartels.
• Provides additional funding for the prosecution of violent crimes against women and strengthens services for the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Invests $1.1 billion in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to reduce violent crime and combat drug trafficking along the southwest border.

The bill has several important elements to it; one of the most important provisions affecting our communities is the Second Chance Act, which provides $100 million for state and local government agencies to help fund programs aimed toward reducing recidivism and the future costs of incarceration.

America has more people in its prison system than any other developed nation.  “In California alone, we have approximately 171,000 incarcerated inmates and in the Los Angeles County jail system, there are approximately 20,000 inmates,” Congresswoman Richardson said.  “When inmates eventually go home and return to civil life; programs are necessary to communicate access so former inmates can become self-sufficient and full contributing members of society.”
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, of the 19,640 paroled felons released from the Los Angeles County jail system in 2004, 29% returned in one year, 44% returned in two years and 50% returned in three years. 

The bill also makes significant investments in scientific research and innovation. Specifically, the legislation:

• Helps our students succeed in a global job market by investing in science, technology, engineering and math education.
• Renews our commitment to reduce global climate change with funding for research.
• Invests $6.9 billion in the National Science Foundation for the most promising scientific research and innovation.

Congresswoman Richardson is a Democrat from California’s 37th Congressional District. She is a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security.  Her district includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrooke and Signal Hill.

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