Department of Justice Seal Department of Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2002
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
AG
(202) 514-2008
TDD (202) 514-1888

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REQUESTS $30.2 BILLION TO
PREVENT AND COMBAT TERRORISM, CONTINUE THE FIGHT
AGAINST DRUGS, ENSURE CIVIL RIGHTS


WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General John Ashcroft today announced that the President's FY 2003 budget proposal includes $30.2 billion for the Department of Justice. Federal law enforcement programs increase by 13 percent over the funding enacted in the FY 2002 Department of Justice Appropriations Act. In total, the FY 2003 budget increases Department funding by almost 21 percent over the prior two years. The FY 2003 budget proposal consists of $23.1 billion in discretionary spending and $7.1 billion derived from fee-funded and mandatory accounts.

"Defending our nation and defending the citizens of America against terrorist attacks is the first and overriding priority of the Department of Justice," said Ashcroft. "The President's budget supports the Department's reorganization to refocus law enforcement efforts to fight the war on terrorism. Additionally, the Department continues to pursue the Administration's mission to continue the fight against drugs, and to protect the civil rights of all Americans."

This budget request includes $2 billion in new program funding for ongoing counter terrorism efforts initiated since September 11th, and further new efforts proposed for FY 2003. The portion of the Department's spending directed at preventing and combating terrorism increases from $1.2 billion in FY20002 (pre-CT Supplemental) to over $3 billion in FY 2003. This budget fulfills the Administration's commitment to combat terrorism by ensuring that United States law enforcement has sufficient resources to address two critical tasks: 1) to prevent terrorism, and; 2) to bring terrorists to justice. This increased funding would improve border security, enhance operational support for field investigations, and further upgrade information technology.

The Department also remains dedicated to fighting the war on drugs. The Department's budget upholds this commitment with $74 million in new and expanded initiatives to combat the trafficking of drugs in communities and along our borders, as well as support programs aimed at reducing drug use.

In addition to these priorities, other key budget increases are provided to ensure vigorous enforcement of civil rights laws; to compensate victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks; to improve the management and services of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; and to increase federal detention and incarceration capacity.

The following highlights the Department of Justice's FY 2003 program improvements:

Preventing and Combating Terrorism, Including Border Security

"With a focus on antiterrorism and securing our borders, law enforcement will protect and defend our families, our values, and our rights as Americans," said Ashcroft.

Increasing the Commitment to the War on Drugs

"The war on drugs is a war we must win to protect America's children from the devastating affects of drug abuse," Ashcroft said. "The centerpiece of our strategy in this war is to curtail the availability of drugs by dismantling the entire infrastructure of the largest supply networks, from the international supply, through the national transportation cells, and down to the regional and local distribution organizations."

Ensuring Civil Rights

"Essential to our republic is the right of every citizen, from every walk of life, to be free from racial hatred and discrimination," said Ashcroft. "The Department of Justice will direct significant resources to protect the Constitutional rights of all Americans."

Other Key Budget Initiatives

State and Local Assistance

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