Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that the House approved legislation on Monday that would provide $2.7 billion for state and local law enforcement agencies across the country. 

Specifically, the House approved the conference agreement for the Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act.  This agreement, which rejects significant cuts to law enforcement programs, included funding to technology and interoperability upgrades, measures to combat Meth, and efforts to reduce gang violence.

“North Alabama’s law enforcement officers are the reason why our communities are as safe as they are today,” said Cramer.  I applaud the continued efforts of North Alabama’s law enforcement and remain committed to providing them with the tools they need to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Included in the agreement’s total funding levels for law enforcement were $587 million for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs.  This total included $61.2 million to help local communities combat Meth production and distribution.

Representative Cramer has been on the forefront in the fight against Methamphetamine abuse since arriving in Congress in 1991.  He is a member of the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine, a bipartisan group with over 100 members who work together to raise national awareness of the problems and dangers associated with the abuse and production of Meth.  As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Cramer continues to lead congressional efforts to fund programs that provide assistance to law enforcement to combat Meth.  He has also secured millions of dollars in funding to help Alabama law enforcement agencies curb Meth usage.

The conference agreement for the FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act will provide funding for the entire federal government, except the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).  Funding for DoD was signed into law in November.

The FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.