Prepared Statement of Ranking Member Chuck Grassley
Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Executive Business Meeting
School Safety and Campus Enhancement Act
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I want to say a few words about the Boxer School Safety bill. I worked closely with Senators Boxer and Warner on the Substitute. I thank them for agreeing to significant changes I requested.
I also have one amendment I would like to offer that was discussed with their offices.
First, the substitute reduces the bill’s new authorizations from the proposed $100 million a year to a more reasonable $40 million a year. This is a $600 million reduction in the cost of the bill over 10 years.
The Secure our Schools program was authorized in 2000 following the tragic shooting at Columbine. It authorizes funds, supplemented by a 50/50 local match of funds, to make security related improvements to K-12 schools. The original law included a $30 million authorization.
This substitute amendment provides a modest increase to $40 million, which is essentially an adjustment for inflation. The substitute amendment retains the current 50/50 matching requirement. This ensures that localities awarded funds under the program have a share in the program’s success.
The substitute amendment also made a change to the Campus Safety Act portion. It removes the new authorization the previous version of the bill included. Instead of new spending, this version merely authorizes the use of funds for the program under the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program. This change is necessary given the dire fiscal situation the federal government currently faces.
Finally, the substitute includes an amendment I circulated increasing accountability and anti-fraud measures for the grant program. This is an amendment I have added to a number of bills that have received bi-partisan support including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. It is a response to grant programs that have had little oversight over the years. It is important to ensure that grantees awarded federal funds are careful with taxpayer dollars.
I have one amendment I will offer to address duplication and overlap that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found in Justice Department grant programs. The amendment will ensure these dollars help the largest number of communities possible. It ensures that the three grant writing agencies at the Justice Department coordinate prior to awarding grants. This was a recommendation of the GAO to reduce duplication and overlap.
I urge my colleagues to support that amendment when I offer it.
Thank you.