Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) voted late Thursday to approve H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, major federal funding legislation which includes a cost-savings amendment, authored by Congressman Cuellar, that saves American taxpayer dollars spent on electricity. In addition, the bill includes substantial funding towards the purchase of equipment for the South Texas Forensics Laboratory, and over $3 billion to combat drug trafficking along the border. The bill passed with a bipartisan majority of 259-157.

“This legislation represents two priorities I believe in, keeping our communities safe and looking out for taxpayers’ dollars. Everyday, the American people are trying to get more value for their money, and we should ask the federal government to do the same,” said Congressman Cuellar. “My amendment ensures that the federal government makes a long-term investment in lowering the amount of taxpayer dollars wasted on inefficient technology.”

Congressman Cuellar included a cost-saving amendment in H.R. 2847, requiring all government agencies funded by the appropriations bill to purchase light bulbs that meet ENERGY Star or Federal Energy Management Standards. Energy efficient light bulbs that meet these standards, use 75% less energy and last eight to twelve times longer than regular incandescent light bulbs, thereby reducing maintenance and replacement costs, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars. The Cuellar amendment passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority.

The Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Act provides $3.4 billion in state and local law enforcement grants, including $250,000 Congressman Cuellar secured for the South Texas Forensics Laboratory to purchase forensics equipment to serve Webb County and surrounding counties’ local law enforcement agencies. These agencies and other components of the local criminal justice system, such as prosecutors’ offices, will have access to this forensics laboratory specializing in the criminal examination of physical and biological evidence.

“It’s no secret that South Texas law enforcement suffers from limited access to full service forensic laboratories, and there’s already been a casework backlog in our overburdened facilities. Our brave local law enforcement officers work hard to uphold our criminal justice system, and these funds ensure that investigations are completed more accurately and efficiently,” said Congressman Cuellar.

Thursday’s legislation, H.R. 2847, is bipartisan legislation funding commerce, justice and science related federal agencies through fiscal year 2010. It invests in two of the nation’s top priorities –protecting Americans at home and spurring scientific research and innovation.

H.R. 2847 also includes significant investments in securing the U.S.-Mexico border:

• DEA: $2 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration to combat drug trafficking, establishing 128 new positions in the Southern U.S. and enhances resources to investigate, disrupt and dismantle Mexican drug cartels
• ATF: $1.1 billion in funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to reduce violent crime and combat drug trafficking along the Southern border
• Border Sheriffs: $4.85 million for the Texas border county sheriff organizations, secured by Congressman John Culberson (TX-7) and strongly supported by Congressman Cuellar

And additional significant funds for state and local law enforcement programs:

• COPS: Provides $802 million for the COPS program. This includes $298 million for COPS Hiring Grants. When combined with the $1 billion provided in the Recovery Act for COPS hiring grants, this will enable the hiring of more than 7,000 police officers including nearly 400 in Texas
• Byrne Justice Assistance Grants: Provides $529 million for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, which grants are used by local law enforcement agencies for a broad range of activities to better fight and prevent crime
• State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP): The President’s budget proposes eliminating funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), which assists state and local governments with the costs of jailing undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes not related to their immigration status. The bill rejects this elimination – instead providing $300 million

Upon Thursday’s passage in the House, H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, will move to the Senate for approval. Pending that approval, the legislation would ultimately move to the President’s desk for signature.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.