Herb Kohl: “I rise today to support the amendment of my colleague from Iowa, which would, in his words, transfer Federal funds from…”

“I rise today to support the amendment of my colleague from Iowa, which would, in his words, transfer Federal funds from star wars to street wars. It would take money currently slated to the missile defense budget and use it to restore cuts proposed to the Byrne grant anticrime and antidrug program. Star wars to street wars is more than just a catchy phrase, it is a good idea. I was, frankly, surprised to see the President propose the elimination of the Byrne formula grant program in his budget at precisely the time the Federal Government has finally begun to face up to its responsibility to address the crime and drug problem in a truly tough, smart fashion. The fact is that the Byrne Grant Program works. In my home State of Wisconsin alone it funds 27 drug task forces and more than 20 drug enforcement positions as well as a highly effective program that shuts down crack houses in Milwaukee. The proposed elimination of this program has prompted more than 50 law enforcement officials from all over Wisconsin to write and call me. They write and call with success stories; stories about the important things they have done, and the drug crime that they have fought, with the Byrne grant money. These are clearly difficult times that compel us to make all sorts of tough budget-cutting decisions. It is our responsibility not to shy away from these difficult votes.”