The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“INTRODUCTION OF H. RES. 110--SUPPORTING THE WEED AND SEED AND COPS PROGRAMS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E246 on Feb. 1, 2007.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF H. RES. 110--SUPPORTING THE WEED AND SEED AND COPS
PROGRAMS
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HON. CORRINE BROWN
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss legislation I introduced, in support of the Community Oriented Policing Services in the Department of Justice and the Weed and Seed program, led by the United States Attorney's Offices.
These two programs are the bedrock of community involvement in ending the cycle of violence that plagues our cities.
Weed and Seed is an innovative, comprehensive, multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization.
It is a strategy that aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity.
The U.S. Attorney's Office plays a leadership role in organizing local officials, community representatives, and other key stakeholders.
Frankly, I am pleased the highest federal prosecutor in the region is getting involved with the community he or she is prosecuting. These United States Attorneys work hard and do not want to see people in the system.
Every Weed and Seed site is required to establish a Safe Haven, a multi-service center where many youth- and adult-oriented services are delivered. These are often housed in a school or community center.
The main goal of Weed and Seed is promoting the long-term health of communities.
However, the funding for this worthy program has hit some rough spots in recent years.
Funding for the program increased every year from its inception in 1993.
In 2005, $62 million was appropriated. However, requested funding in subsequent years fell to $50 million in 2006 and $49 million in 2007. This is a program that works.
We must continue the funding. Our cities need it. Our children need it.
My resolution also discusses the positive aspects of the COPS Program.
The community-oriented policing component bridges the ``weeding'' and
``seeding'' elements of the Weed and Seed strategy.
I think we all can agree that community-based strategies for solving crime problems brings a sense of responsibility within the community and help develop cooperative relationships between the police and residents.
Also, community policing embraces the two key concepts of community engagement and problem solving.
Having the community involved is the most important aspect to preventing crime and removing our kids from the vicious cycle of violence.
When everyone gets involved, we all benefit.
The COPS Program has been an overwhelming success.
COPS has funded more than 118,400 police officers and sheriff's deputies.
COPS has funded more than 6,454 school resource officers and trained more than 9,158 school resource officers and school administrators.
COPS has funded large and small jurisdictions, in fact 87% of COPS grantees serve populations of less than 50,000.
That is a community benefiting from Cops on the beat.
However, this president does not see fit to fund this program. In fact, the Bush Administration has not funded the COPS program for the last few years.
We can do better, and this resolution is a good beginning.
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