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ASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee supporting a proposed funding increase for local and state law enforcement in the Emergency Supplemental bill.  The letter specifically supports a $490 million increase for the Edward G. Byrne program, a program which will help law enforcement prevent, fight and prosecute crime. 

“Like most large cities around the country, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have experienced a disturbing rash of violence in recent years.  Recent incidents of violent crime in Erie, Allentown and other communities in Pennsylvania indicate that small and medium-sized cities and towns are also experiencing an unfortunate rise in violent crime,” Senator Casey wrote.    

He went on to write, “violent crimes are destroying communities and devastating families.  The real impact and importance of this support for local law enforcement has extra poignancy today on Peace Officers Memorial Day.  Washington can, and should, do more, and I am committed to increasing the federal investment in local law enforcement programs”   

Full text of the letter is below: 

Dear Chairman Byrd, Ranking Member Cochran, Chairwoman Mikulski, and Ranking Member Shelby:

As the Committee moves forward with its consideration of the supplemental spending bill, I write to express my strong support for bolstering funding for state and local law enforcement.  Please accept my sincere thanks for your leadership on this important matter.   

Like most large cities around the country, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have experienced a disturbing rash of violence in recent years.  Recent incidents of violent crime in Erie, Allentown and other communities in Pennsylvania indicate that small and medium-sized cities and towns are also experiencing an unfortunate rise in violent crime.  Despite these troubling developments, recent Bush Administration budgets have repeatedly sought to cut key programs that provide vital funding for local law enforcement.   

The Committee’s effort to restore through past appropriations bills is vitally important to reversing the trend of violence that has plagued many communities in Pennsylvania and across the country.  Inclusion of your recommendation of $490 million for the Edward G. Byrne grants program will assist state and local law enforcement agencies immediately, and I strongly support this effort.   

Violent crimes are destroying communities and devastating families.  The real impact and importance of this support for local law enforcement has extra poignancy today on Peace Officers Memorial Day.  Washington can, and should, do more, and I am committed to increasing the federal investment in local law enforcement programs.         

Thank you for your consideration of my views.   

Sincerely, 

Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)