Howard Berman: “And we have had a problem this year with the appropriated monies, the $130 million. I do have to point out that…”

“And we have had a problem this year with the appropriated monies, the $130 million. I do have to point out that President Clinton was the first President ever to propose funding for this, and Congress appropriated $130 million, first time ever, last year. But we have had a problem in that even though we think the language of the existing crime bill is clear, no local governments have been eligible for that. It is our intention, under the underlying crime provisions that exist in existing law, that local governments be eligible for that portion of the money, even though they are not eligible for the Truth-in-Sentencing Act money that is provided for in the gentleman's amendment; is that correct? Mr. McCOLLUM. The gentleman is correct. I think the gentleman has made excellent points about this particular proposal today. It is very, very unique and well-crafted. The gentleman and I have worked very hard on it. Governor Wilson of California has worked on it with us. We have had a number of inputs from other State leaders.”