John W. Olver: “Yesterday I was able to call mayors and police chiefs of over 40 small communities in my district. I told them they…”

“Yesterday I was able to call mayors and police chiefs of over 40 small communities in my district. I told them they would be getting a grant to hire a cop because of last year's crime bill, the Anti-Crime Act of 1994. Some will get two, and one will get even three. Chief MacDonald, in Townsend, said it would help him and his small town. And in Williamstown, at the other end of my district, Chief Kennedy said he would assign a cop where kids gather and make trouble. Mr. Speaker, we agreed, Democrats and Republicans, on one thing during last year's crime bill debate: We need more cops on the beat. So why does the Republican contract cut funds for new police? That is right, the block grant shell game in the Republican contract would cut funds for community policing. That means less money to help us feel more safe in our neighborhoods, and it kills the chances for small town police chiefs to get the cops that they need. This is not smart, this is not savings. Wake up, America, 'Don't fall for the shell game.'”