Matthew Cartwright

10/07/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Rep. Cartwright in the Top 1% at Bringing Back Funds for Local Police

Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Ranking Member of the House Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that, of 309 House Members who have received Department of Justice COPS or Byrne or Community Project Funding (CPFs) over FY22, FY23, and FY24, he has brought the 4th highest dollar amount back to his congressional district, with projects totaling $12,072,000 across those 3 fiscal years.

"These programs are essential for equipping our law enforcement agencies with the technology and resources needed to keep our neighborhoods safe and for fostering strong partnerships between law enforcement officers and the people they protect," said Ranking Member Cartwright. "I will continue to fight to see that COPS Technology and Equipment and Byrne JAG programs receive the robust funding they deserve in CJS appropriations measures -- in order to ensure these programs continue to serve our communities effectively."

The FY 2025 House CJS Appropriations bill also contains both programmatic funds and Member CPFs for COPS and Byrne, with four Cartwright-requested Byrne JAG CPFs present in the measure totaling over $5 million. The bill awaits action by the House and Senate later this year.

Ranking Member Cartwright has consistently supported the COPS Technology and Equipment Program and Byrne JAG, two initiatives that directly assist with the safety and security of communities across the nation. The COPS Technology and Equipment Program funds grants to State, local, Tribal, territorial, and other entities to develop and acquire effective equipment, technologies, and interoperable communications that are critical in responding to and preventing crime. The Byrne JAG Program provides equally important funding for a range of program areas that improve public safety, including law enforcement, crime prevention, and drug treatment.