Norma Torres: “I thank Chairman Quigley and Ranking Member Graves for their hard work on the Financial Services and General Government…”

“I thank Chairman Quigley and Ranking Member Graves for their hard work on the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. This legislation prioritizes public safety and invests in underserved communities like the ones that I represent. I am especially grateful to the chairman for increasing funding to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program at its highest possible level. Drug trafficking is a major challenge for my district. It brings violence and crime to our streets. It is flooding our communities and schools with harmful, illegal drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids. Our local law enforcement is the first line of defense. They understand what is going on in our neighborhoods, in our schools, and in our families. What I appreciate so much about HIDTA is that it creates a real partnership, a partnership between local law enforcement, State agencies, and Federal enforcement agencies. It provides them with important resources to bring to the fight against illegal drugs. It also supports prevention and education campaigns to ensure that our children do not suffer from addiction and deadly overdoses. On the subject of public safety, I am encouraged that this bill prevents the administration from raiding funds from the Treasury Department's asset forfeiture funds. These are funds that our local police departments can use to purchase better equipment and keep our communities safe.…”