Update From Washington D.C.
Budget Issues
H.CON.RES.312 passed the House of Representatives on March 13, 2008 by a vote of 212 to 207.  This resolution would establish the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013. S.CON.RES.70, the Senate budget, passed the Senate on March 14, 2008 by a vote of 51 to 44.  These budgets reject the President's proposal to eliminate funding for several state and local law enforcement programs, including the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, Byrne, First Responder grants, and COPS

State Criminal Alien Assistance Program
Senator Dianne Feinstein introduced S.AMDT. 4225 to S.CON.RES. This amendment provides for a total of $950,000,000 in outlays for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program in fiscal year 2009, as authorized. This amendment was agreed to in the Senate by unanimous consent on March 13, 2008.  This program provides reimbursement to state and local governments for the costs of incarcerating criminal aliens.

Border Security, Immigration Enforcement; and Criminal Alien Removal Programs
Senator Sessions introduced S.AMDT.4231  to CON.RES.70.   This amendment establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund for border security, immigration enforcement, and criminal alien removal programs. This amendment was agreed to in the Senate by a vote of 61 to 37. 

S. 2738, the "Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2008"
Senator Tom Coburn introduced S. 2738 on March 11, 2008.  This bill would identify and remove criminal aliens incarcerated in correctional facilities in the United States. This legislation has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar. Click Here to view a copy of the bill.

Legislative Action Alert:  Contact Your Member Of Congress
Click here to contact your Representative in Congress to express opposition to social security reform proposals that would require state and local government employees to pay into the social security system.  Currently, no measure has been introduced in the House or the Senate.

Comprehensive List Of Criminal Justice Legislation Introduced In Congress
Click Here for a comprehensive list of bills introduced in the 110th Congress that impact law enforcement. 

DOJ Implementing Prisoner Rape Elimination Act
Click Here for links to information about the implementation of this public law.