Political Quotes

“I rise to add my name as a cosponsor to Senator Harkin's amendment. The Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Program has proven an essential element in Pennsylvania's fight against crime and drugs. In Pennsylvania, the Byrne Program provides total support for the Commonwealth's Drug Control and System Improvement [DCSI] Program. DCSI has supported many important and effective law enforcement projects across the State including: local drug enforcement and prevention task forces, crime victim's service programs, alternative sentencing programs such as bootcamps, child abuse prosecution task forces, and other community-based crime prevention programs. In addition, the DCSI is currently funding projects statewide related to improving criminal history records information which are essential to fulfilling the background check requirements of the Brady law. I have received numerous letters from legislators and criminal justice officials in Pennsylvania stressing the importance of maintaining funding of the Byrne Program. Police Chief Paul L. Wood of the borough of Wilkinsburg captured that sentiment in his letter from which I quote: Wilkinsburg desperately needs the help offered in [the Byrne Grant Program]. We are a distressed community and do not have the money to increase our staff, to operate local drug task forces, and to fight drug related activity.”