H.R.3500 - More Funding for COPS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3500, the "More Funding for COPS Act," aims to reauthorize the public safety and community policing grant program under part Q of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The bill proposes to amend Section 1001(a)(11)(A) of the Act, increasing funding from $1,047,119,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009 to $1,163,032,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 19, 2025, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The Act seeks to provide additional financial resources to support community policing initiatives across the United States. The funding is intended to enhance public safety by supporting local law enforcement agencies.
This reauthorization reflects a continued commitment to community policing strategies and aims to provide stable funding for these programs in the coming years.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of H.R.3500 would be to increase the amount of federal funding available for the COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) program. This would likely lead to increased hiring of police officers, expansion of community policing programs, and potentially improved relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Local law enforcement agencies would have access to greater financial resources to implement and sustain community policing initiatives. This could also lead to reduced crime rates and improved public safety in participating communities.
Ultimately, the bill aims to strengthen the partnership between law enforcement and the communities they serve, fostering trust and cooperation to address local crime issues.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Public Safety: Increased funding for community policing can lead to more effective crime prevention and response.
- Improved Community Relations: Community policing initiatives can foster better relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
- Increased Law Enforcement Resources: The additional funding can help local agencies hire more officers and acquire necessary equipment.
- Crime Reduction: Effective community policing strategies can contribute to a reduction in crime rates.
- Support for Local Economies: Increased funding can create jobs within local law enforcement agencies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Federal Spending: The bill increases federal spending, which could contribute to the national debt.
- Potential for Misallocation of Funds: There is a risk that funds could be mismanaged or used for purposes other than intended.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses primarily on law enforcement and may not address the root causes of crime.
- Dependence on Federal Funding: Local agencies may become overly reliant on federal funding, making them vulnerable to future budget cuts.
- Potential for Over-Policing: Increased police presence could lead to concerns about over-policing in certain communities.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of ensuring domestic tranquility and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but providing funding to state and local law enforcement can be argued as a legitimate exercise of federal power to promote public safety.
However, the expansion of federal funding and potential influence over local law enforcement practices could raise concerns about federal overreach into areas traditionally managed by state and local governments. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) might be invoked to justify federal involvement, arguing that crime affects interstate commerce.
Overall, the constitutional alignment is moderate, as the federal government is providing funding to support state and local law enforcement, which is generally within the scope of promoting the general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).