| WASHINGTON—A bill to help communities take on violent gangs like MS-13 heads to the president’s desk after being signed today by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI).
Authored by Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act makes more resources available to state and local law enforcement agencies working to curb the rise in gang activity and violence. The measure passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Rep. Comstock joined Speaker Ryan for today’s signing, along with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA).
Speaker Ryan: “This is about protecting our communities. These gangs prey on young people in the worst way, with chilling violence and recruitment tactics. We want local law enforcement to have every resource at its disposal to stomp out this monstrous threat. Barbara Comstock has really stepped up to get Congress to focus on MS-13, and this initiative is a direct result of her efforts.”
Rep. Comstock: “Our communities need critical resources to battle violent transnational gangs like MS-13. The Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, comprised of 13 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, explains that the best anti-gang method is a three-pronged approach: education, intervention/prevention, and enforcement. I have seen firsthand the good work that gang task forces can do to remove the gang threats in our community. They are an important tool in crime prevention, and this legislation will make sure they have the tools they need to take on violent gangs like MS-13.”
Read more:
Congress to Combat Brutal Gang Violence
‘Why We Are Here’: Speaker Ryan Discusses New Laws for Veterans, Patients, and Communities |
