Jon Runyan: “My amendment transfers $22.418 million from the General Administration Fund to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice…”

“My amendment transfers $22.418 million from the General Administration Fund to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program, bringing the Byrne/JAG total to $392.48 million, the same as the Senate mark. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program provides valuable services to local police departments all around the United States. These grants help to enhance law enforcement capabilities by providing funding to local law enforcement agencies through improving officer safety via equipment, technology, and training. Better equipment and trained police officers are a necessity to keep our communities and our constituents safe. This amendment is deficit neutral, while increasing funding for support of local law enforcement organizations all over the United States. It is also supported by the Fraternal Order of Police. During tough fiscal times such as these, we must prioritize and ensure we are providing appropriate funding for those programs we need the most. The Byrne/JAG funding should be appropriated as mentioned above in an effort to best serve our constituents. I urge support of my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.”