Hal Rogers: “H.R. 4276, the Commerce, Justice, State and Related Agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 1999 provides the…”

“H.R. 4276, the Commerce, Justice, State and Related Agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 1999 provides the funding for a multitude of programs that directly benefit the people that all of us represent and that we are sworn to uphold, programs that fight crime and drugs, secure our borders, protect against terrorism, and administer justice; programs that affect our daily lives and livelihood, like the National Weather Service; programs that support our Nation's diplomacy throughout the world; and programs that put people back on their feet after a natural disaster strikes and that aid our Nation's small businesses. But if this bill sets one priority, it is to provide increased funding to fight crime and empower Federal, State and local law enforcement with the resources they need to enforce our laws and prevent crime. Mr. Chairman, the determination of this Nation and this Congress to reduce crime is showing results. In 1997, serious crime fell in the United States for the sixth year in a row by 5 percent. Due to the decisions of this Congress which over the last 3 years has increased funding for justice programs by $5.5 billion, a 45 percent increase, our citizens are a little less at peril than they were before. But as the shooting of our two brave and heroic Capitol Police officers a week ago Friday demonstrates so devastatingly, we do have yet a long, long way to go.”