U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) is combating gangs in Illinois and nationwide.
Kirk recently included a number of initiatives in a funding bill to assist law enforcement. The bill was approved by the Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee.
The bill contains several of Kirk's priorities, including $18.5 million dedicated to combating gangs nationally and reducing gun crime.
“These anti-gang initiatives support the U.S. Marshals regional task force that arrested more than 300 fugitives in Illinois in just one month during an operation,” Kirk said. “With $18.5 million to fight gangs and prevent gun violence, we can stand up for the victims of violence in our cities.”
The anti-gang funding portion in the bill includes $8.5 million for the Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Program; $5 million for the United States Marshals Service Counter Gang Units; and $5 million for the Gang and Youth Violence Education and Prevention Program.
The bill also includes $382 million for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program and $50 million to combat human trafficking through funding for victims assistance and human trafficking task forces.
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