Joe Biden: “I think it is outrageous that, of all things to choose, this latest temporary spending bill cuts spending for the…”

“I think it is outrageous that, of all things to choose, this latest temporary spending bill cuts spending for the 100,000 Cops on the Beat Program under the 1994 crime law. I want to make clear that the only reason I'm voting for this continuing resolution is because it is a compromise and would allow States and localities to continue hiring cops for the next 49 days. The alternative is no cops. But this is a terrible way to implement public policy. This continuing resolution would, if extended over a full year, cut the Cops on the Beat Program by over one-half--over $1 billion promised to the American people for cops on the street. That means that communities across the Nation would lose over 13,000 police officers. That is totally unacceptable. This continuing resolution funds the Cops Program at 75 percent of the 1995 level for outlays, which was $1.187 billion. Seventy-five percent of that would be $890 million for the year. In contrast, full funding for the 100,000 Cops Program for 1996 is $1.9 billion. That is what we agreed on in the 1994 crime law. That is what was requested by the President. So this resolution would actually cut over $1 billion from the Cops on the Beat Program--over one-half-- if it continued for the full year. Let no one be fooled. This continuing resolution is a back door attempt by Republicans to reverse the gains of the 100,000 Cops Program and the American people will not stand for this the next time around.”