David Price: “Mr. Chairman, this budget represents the worst of both worlds. It sends our national debt spiraling out of control, yet…”

“Mr. Chairman, this budget represents the worst of both worlds. It sends our national debt spiraling out of control, yet, in the process, it provides very little stimulus for an economy that is still struggling to create jobs, and it cuts services for those most in need of government support and for those charged with keeping our Nation safe. That is what I want to concentrate in the few minutes I have here, the Republican budget's significant underfunding for our Nation's first responders. The administration's homeland security budget cuts the State Homeland Security Grant program by almost 60 percent. It does increase the Urban Area Security Initiative, but overall there is a $150 million reduction in funding. Moreover, there is a shift in funding toward some higher-risk urban areas at the expense of smaller cities and more rural areas. Then, if you go over to the Department of Justice budget, you see the problem is compounded. The COPS program that has furnished support for personnel and equipment for our local police departments is cut 87 percent. The Byrne Grant program and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant program are both zeroed out in the President's budget and are replaced with a Justice Assistance program, but at a net cut of 40 percent.”