Rep. Cole Votes for Bill that Makes Tribal Governments Eligible for DOJ Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Conference Report, H.R. 3402, which includes language to give tribal governments the ability to qualify for three different Department of Justice grants. Congressman Cole worked to include this language in the House passed version of the bill earlier this year.

"I am very pleased this legislation was included in the final version of this legislation. Tribal governments should have the same access to these grants as other state and local governments. These grants will help provide tribal law enforcement officers the tools they need to keep their communities safe," Congressman Tom Cole said.

The Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Conference Report will make tribal governments eligible for the following grants:

Weed and Seed Grants. A discretionary grant program designed to "weed out" crime in selected neighborhoods and "seed" them with coordinated crime prevention and human service programs. This bill includes $50 million for this program for FYO6.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance program (JAG). These grants provide funds to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions. This bill includes almost $350 million for the JAG grant program for FY06.

Regional Information Sharing Systems Grants. These funds will be used for maintaining and operating regional information sharing to help meet the needs of law enforcement agencies that are working on multi-jurisdictional offenses. H.R. 3402 includes over $180 million for this program for FY06.

This legislation will now be sent to the President for his approval.

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