DoJ budget increases community spending

The Department of Justice would see a $1.3 billion increase in discretionary spending over 2015 under the 2016 budget request submitted by President Obama on Feb. 2.

The administration wants $28.7 billion for law enforcement and litigating components, cybersecurity initiatives, prison programs, immigration court support and community efforts.

"The Department of Justice is dedicated to advancing the safety, the security, and the rights of all Americans – and the vital investments detailed in the department's FY 2016 budget reflect that commitment," said Attorney General Eric Holder in a news release.

Over $200 million will be invested in programs on the national and local level that support countering violent extremism and bolstering cybersecurity. Funding will go to community-led programs, public safety agencies and IT infrastructure that improves information sharing, collaboration and counterintelligence. These funds also support training and oversight to strengthen local law enforcement's relationship with residents.

A $100 million increase will be earmarked for investigatory and litigation resources to combat civil rights threats such as human trafficking, hate crimes and campus sexual assaults.

The budget provides almost $500 for the immigration court system, funding the hire of 55 additional Immigration Judge Teams to represent unaccompanied minors.

The budget requests an additional $217 million to increase staff, treatment and programs in the Bureau of Prisons.

In addition, almost $250 million is allocated for "Smart on Crime" initiatives to research, evaluate and reform program priorities and improve efficiency.

"From our global efforts to safeguard the American people against terrorist attacks and prevent violent extremism, to the work we are doing through the Smart on Crime initiative to make our criminal justice system more fair and more effective, to our ongoing focus on building trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve, we are working every day to protect the American people and extend this nation's promise of equal justice under law," said Holder.

In Other News

Austin calls European allies, seeking more Patriots for Kyiv

The U.S. secretary of defense has held multiple one-on-one calls with European allies this week, during which he raised the topic.

Opinion

Can the federal government be a standard bearer for responsible AI?

Malicious actors can “use access to bulk data sets to fuel the creation and refinement of AI and threaten national security."

Senators push to update nuclear military might in defense bill

The Restoring American Deterrence Act focuses on deploying additional ICBMs, uranium enrichment and Defense Production Act grants for industry.

Ask Reg: Do I need to update retirement forms if nothing has changed?

If your agency is asking for an update to your 'SF' retirement forms, here's why.

US to provide $6B to fund long-term weapons for Ukraine, officials say

The new funding — the largest tranche of USAI aid sent to date - will include a wide array of munitions for air defense, such NASAM, HIMARS and Patriots.

Load More