Congress of the United States ‘Washington, BE 20515 March 23, 2016 ‘The Honorable John Culberson ‘The Honorable Mike Honda Chairman Ranking Member ‘Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies and Related Agencies House Appropriations Committee 1016 Longworth HOB, ‘Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Culberson and Ranking Memiber Honda: ‘Thank you for your ongoing and diligent efforts to appropriately balance limited resources to support our nation’s highest priorities inthis difficult fiscal climate. As you begin deliberations oon the FY2017 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bil, we respectfully request that you ‘consider supporting the Byme Justice Assistance Grant (SAG) program and the Emergency Fevleral Law Enforcement Assistance Program. Please help us to assist our brave men and ‘women in blue, both in San Bemardino and around the country, by supporting those accounts that can assist them most in their hour of need. (On December 2, 2015, the Southern California community experienced the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States since 9/11. This cowardly act shook residents and public safety ‘workers to their core; however, our friends and neighbors did not break and have emerged stronger than before. Since the attack, we have worked closely with both the City and County of San Bernardino to address the issues raised by the attack, including the significant and ‘burdensome expenses connected to the event. Critical law enforcement personnel have been forced to leave the streets, where they ae desperately needed, and instead are wading through ‘mounds of grant applications from multiple agencies in the hope of recouping lost resources. To smake matters worse, the City of San Bernardino is going through bankruptcy proceedings and is finding it difficult to shift personnel around inthis tight fiscal envizonment. ‘There has to be a better way. The unfortunate reality is that we must ensure that appropriate ‘mechanisms are in place should a similar incident happen in the future. The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee handles many ofthe important funding accounts, including the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program and the Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Program, that can potentially support San Bemardino and other communities that experience such extraordinary emergencies. ‘The JAG program has for years been a key resource for state and local governments around the nation. Whether these funds are used on personnel, equipment, training, or supplies, the JAG ‘rogram has the ability to provide a vital infusion to those that risk thei lives every day. Furthermore, te ability of some funds tobe allocated direct to units of local government is key feature to ensure that the necessary ai arrives to the right place, atthe right time. The JAG program will be an important component of San Benardina’s efforts to recover from this tragedy.‘The Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Program, administered by the Office of Justice Programs at Department of Justice, was started to provide assistance when slate and local resources proved inadequate, Almost thres weeks after funds were appropriated into the program for FY2013, the Boston Marathon bombings occurred and close to $2 million was used by the State of Massachusets to assist law enforcement with costs related tothe attack. Such funds ‘Were used fo pay state and local overtime for jurisdictions that responded tothe event. We must ‘make sure thatthe proper resources are available for America's communities i the future. ‘As we work to assist our brave officers find the relief they deserve, please help us in making sure that no community unduly suffers when tragedy strikes. Sincerely, nl fe Pete Aguilar Ken Calvert Member of Congress “Member of Congress