Hoyer Meets with Justice Assistance Groups to Discuss Reducing Gang Violence and Crime

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny Hoyer today met with numerous Justice Assistance groups that help state and local jurisdictions fight crime, to discuss the need to address the increase in gang activity and reduce crime in the greater DC region. Hoyer released the following statement after the meeting:

"I appreciated the opportunity today to meet with the many organizations working to keep our neighborhoods safe and secure. The meeting today was a very substantive and helpful conversation about what needs to be done to wage a more successful fight against gang violence, domestic abuse, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and crime afflicting our communities.

"The DC metropolitan area has been witness to an increasing number of recent horrific accounts of violent crime involving juveniles and gangs. Furthermore, the problems of domestic violence and child abuse continue to require attention and funding.

"Congress has created a number of successful programs to address some of these justice issues and we continue to learn which programs are providing results. We must invest in these programs and provide them with the resources they need to stem this tide of violence. And, we must start with the programs assisting our young people in order to develop cogent responses to the current problems facing juveniles.

"The Bush Administration has consistently failed to live up to its commitments to provide justice assistance programs with the resources they need and this year proposed cuts to the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, State and Local Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice programs, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Office of Justice programs which coordinate and manage activities for the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims of Crime.

"Without a consistent flow of funding to these programs we create unnecessary obstacles to reversing a problem we all agree is significant. I will continue to fight to increase the funding for these important organizations that assist local law enforcement, help our young people and protect our communities."

Representatives from the following organizations attended today's meeting: Center for Juvenile and Criminal Justice; Street Law, Inc.; Juvenile Justice Policy Network; Gang Resistance Education And Training; National Crime Prevention Council; Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Center for Youth as Resources; and the National Conference of State Legislatures.

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