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Diaz-Balart: CJS Appropriations Bill Helps Combat Crime, Keep Communities Safe

July 13, 2017

WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) released the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee approved the Commerce, Justice, and Science bill for FY18.

"This legislation provides federal and local law enforcement officials and first responders with the resources and tools they need to combat crime, protect our communities, and perform counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations. Far too many Americans are battling addictions with opioids and other illegal substances, and funding provided to DEA will help fight the war on drugs. It also encourages scientific innovation and advances America's economic competitiveness, maintaining America's leadership in space. Hurricane forecasting and weather research vitally important to our community is also funded in this bill.

"I congratulate Chairmen Frelinghuysen and Subcommittee Chairman Culberson on their leadership, and look forward to continue working with them to provide our law enforcement and research communities with the tools to protect and advance our country."

Highlights from the legislation include:

  • $8.8 billion for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
  • $2.6 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • $4.97 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
    • Within these funds, $31 million for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) to improve weather and flooding forecasting
  • $19.9 billion for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  • Grant programs:
    • $500 million for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants
    • $22.5 million for the Body Worn Camera Partnership
    • $103 million for opioid abuse prevention
    • $125 million to clear DNA kit backlogs and provide other forensic services after sexual assault crimes
    • $527 million to combat domestic abuse, violence on college campuses, and provide services to sexual assault and trafficking victims
  • Language to encourage the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to partner with academic research institutions to study and provide best practices in mitigating effects of natural disasters and resiliency construction

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