[House Report 107-606]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
107th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 107-606
======================================================================
FOCUSING ATTENTION ON NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY
POLICING AND COORDINATING FEDERAL EFFORTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ``NATIONAL
NIGHT OUT''
_______
July 23, 2002.--Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be
printed
_______
Mr. Sensenbrenner, from the Committee on the Judiciary, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H. Res. 437]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the
resolution (H. Res. 437) requesting that the President focus
appropriate attention on neighborhood crime prevention and
community policing, and coordinate certain Federal efforts to
participate in ``National Night Out'', including by supporting
local efforts and neighborhood watches and by supporting local
officials to provide homeland security, and for other purposes,
having considered the same, reports favorably thereon without
amendment and recommends that the resolution be agreed to.
CONTENTS
Page
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 2
Background and Need for the Legislation.......................... 2
Hearings......................................................... 2
Committee Consideration.......................................... 3
Vote of the Committee............................................ 3
Committee Oversight Findings..................................... 3
Performance Goals and Objectives................................. 3
New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures........................ 3
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate........................ 3
Constitutional Authority Statement............................... 4
Section-by-Section Analysis and Discussion....................... 4
Markup Transcript................................................ 5
Purpose and Summary
H. Res. 437 expresses the House of Representatives support
for the goals and ideals of National Night Out (NNO), an event
intended to demonstrate the importance and effectiveness of
community participation in crime prevention efforts by having
people spend the period from 7 to 10 o'clock p.m. on August 6,
2002, with their neighbors in front of their homes with their
lights on.
Additionally, it requests that the President issue a
proclamation calling for appropriate ceremonies, activities,
and programs and focus appropriate attention on neighborhood
crime prevention, community policing, and reduction of school
crime by delivering speeches, convening meetings, and directing
the administration to make crime reduction an important
priority. Finally, it requests that the President coordinate
the efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the USA
Freedom Corps, the Citizen Corps, the National Senior Service
Corps, and AmeriCorps to participate by supporting local
efforts, neighborhood watches, and local officials, including
law enforcement personnel, to provide homeland security and
combat terrorism in the United States.
Background and Need for the Legislation
H. Res. 437 supports National Night Out, a nationally
coordinated community event which attempts to combat crime
elements through education, planning, and outreach. National
Night Out began in 1984, with 400 communities and 2.5 million
people involved. This figure expanded yearly, reaching over 33
million people in 9,700 communities from all 50 States, U.S.
territories, cities, and military bases worldwide in 2001.
National Night Out provides information, educational materials,
and technical assistance for the development of year-long
community-police partnerships that can reduce crime, violence,
and substance abuse at the community level. Coordinated by
local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night
Out events are designed to engage neighborhoods in local crime
and drug-abuse prevention activities through a multitude of
local events, such as block parties, cookouts, parades,
contests, youth events, and seminars. In addition, as part of
National Night Out, individuals participate in Project 365, a
program that includes the cleanup of local parks, the removal
and prevention of graffiti, the establishment of domestic
violence and homeless prevention initiatives, and an increase
in the number of Neighborhood Watch groups and crime prevention
programming in multifamily housing areas. Through these
activities, National Night Out generates community support for
crime and drug-abuse prevention activities, as well as a high
level of community participation. This opportunity helps to
establish a much needed relationship among neighborhood
residents and local law enforcement personnel.
Hearings
No hearings were held on H. Res. 437.
Committee Consideration
On July 17, 2002, the Committee met in open session and
ordered favorably reported the resolution H. Res. 437 without
amendment by voice vote, a quorum being present.
Vote of the Committee
There were no recorded votes on H. Res. 437.
Committee Oversight Findings
In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee reports that the
findings and recommendations of the Committee, based on
oversight activities under clause 2(b)(1) of rule X of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, are incorporated in the
descriptive portions of this report.
Performance Goals and Objectives
H. Res. 437 does not authorize funding. Therefore, clause
3(c) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives
is inapplicable.
New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures
Clause 3(c)(2) of House rule XIII is inapplicable because
this legislation does not provide new budgetary authority or
increased tax expenditures.
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
In compliance with clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee sets forth, with
respect to the resolution, H. Res. 437, the following estimate
and comparison prepared by the Director of the Congressional
Budget Office under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, July 23, 2002.
Hon. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Chairman,
Committee on the Judiciary,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H. Res. 437, requesting
that the President focus appropriate attention on neighborhood
crime prevention and community policing, and coordinate certain
Federal efforts to participate in ``National Night Out,''
including by supporting local efforts and neighborhood watches
and by supporting local officials to provide homeland security,
and for other purposes.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Lanette
J.Walker, who can be reached at 226-2860.
Sincerely,
Dan L. Crippen, Director.
Enclosure
cc:
Honorable John Conyers, Jr.
Ranking Member
H. Res. 437--Requesting that the President focus appropriate attention
on neighborhood crime prevention and community policing, and
coordinate certain Federal efforts to participate in ``National
Night Out,'' including by supporting local efforts and
neighborhood watches and by supporting local officials to
provide homeland security, and for other purposes.
H. Res. 437 would express Congressional support for the
National Night Out program and request that the President
coordinate the efforts of certain agencies to participate in
supporting local crime prevention efforts. CBO estimates that
H. Res. 437 would have no impact on the Federal budget. The
resolution would not affect receipts or direct spending;
therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures would not apply.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Lanette J.
Walker, who can be reached at 226-2860. This estimate was
approved by Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant Director for
Budget Analysis.
Constitutional Authority Statement
Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee finds the authority for
this legislation in article 1, section 8, clause 18 of the
Constitution.
Section-by-Section Analysis and Discussion
The first preambular clause provides that neighborhood
crime is of continuing concern to the American People.
The second preambular clause provides that the fight
against neighborhood crime requires people to work together in
cooperation with law enforcement personnel.
The third preambular clause provides that neighborhood
crime watch organizations effectively promote awareness about,
and the participation of volunteers in, crime prevention
activities at the local level.
The fourth preambular clause provides that neighborhood
crime watch groups can contribute to the Nation's war on drugs
by helping to prevent communities from becoming markets for
drug dealers.
The fifth preambular clause provides that neighborhood
crime watch programs play an integral role in combating
domestic terrorism by increasing vigilance and awareness and
encouraging citizen participation in community safety and
homeland security.
The sixth preambular clause provides that crime and
violence in schools are of continuing concern to the American
people due to the recent high-profile incidents that have
resulted in fatalities at several schools across the United
States.
The seventh preambular clause provides that community-based
programs involving law enforcement, school administrators,
teachers, parents, and local communities work effectively to
reduce school violence and crime.
The eighth preambular clause provides that citizens across
the United States will soon take part in ``National Night
Out,'' a unique crime prevention event which will demonstrate
the importance and effectiveness of community participation in
crime prevention efforts by having people spend the period from
7 to 10 o'clock p.m. on August 6, 2002, with their neighbors in
front of their homes with their lights on.
The ninth preambular clause provides that schools that turn
their lights on from 7 to 10 o'clock p.m. on August 6, 2002,
will send a positive message to the participants of ``National
Night Out'' and show their commitment to reduce crime and
violence in schools.
The resolved clause provides that it is the sense of the
House of Representatives that the House of Representatives
(1) supports the goals and ideals of ``National Night
Out;'' and
(2) requests that the President--
(A) issue a proclamation calling on the people of
the United States to conduct appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs to demonstrate support for the
``National Night Out;''
(B) focus appropriate attention on neighborhood
crime prevention, community policing, and reduction of
school crime by delivering speeches, convening
meetings, and directing his administration to make
crime reduction and important priority; and
(C) coordinate the efforts of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, the USA Freedom Corps, the
Citizens Corps, the National Senior Service Corps, and
AmeriCorps to participate in ``National Night Out'' by
supporting local efforts and neighborhood watches and
by supporting local officials, including law
enforcement personnel, to provide homeland security and
combat terrorism in the United States.
Markup Transcript
BUSINESS MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2002
House of Representatives,
Committee on the Judiciary,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:05 a.m., in
Room 2141, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. F. James
Sensenbrenner, Jr. [Chairman of the Committee] presiding.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The Committee will be in order.
* * * * * * *
Now, pursuant to notice, I call up the resolution, House
Resolution 437, for purposes of markup and move its favorable
recommendation to the House. And without objection, the
resolution will be considered as read and open for amendment at
any point.
[The resolution, H. Res. 437, follows:]
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The Chair recognizes himself for 5
minutes for purposes of a quick statement.
For the past 18 years, the National Association of Town
Watch has held its National Night Out in an effort to heighten
awareness and strengthen participation in local anti-crime
efforts. On August 6th of this year, citizens, law enforcement
agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations,
and local officials from across the country will participate in
the 19th Annual National Night Out.
Over the last 2 years, Congress has supported two
resolutions which recognized the efforts of the National Night
Out. This resolution was introduced earlier this year, and like
previous resolutions, it again supports the Night Out and its
goal of fighting neighborhood crime.
In addition, the resolution calls on the President to
actively support and coordinate local crime-fighting efforts.
In light of the events of September 11th, H. Res. 437
incorporates new language this year reflecting the importance
of the President in coordinating the local community efforts to
secure our Nation against acts of domestic terrorism. This
language echoes much of what the President has already said
under the goals of the newly established Citizens Corps.
I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan resolution
and yield back the balance of my time.
The gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Scott?
Mr. Scott. Move to strike the last word.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The gentleman's recognized for 5
minutes.
Mr. Scott. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The National Night Out
is an annual event that gives communities across the United
States the opportunity to work with local law enforcement on
strategies to fight crime, drugs, and violence. On August 6,
2002, from 7 o'clock to 10 o'clock p.m., people are asked to
spend this time with their neighbors in front of their houses
with their lights on to demonstrate the importance and
effectiveness of community participation in crime prevention
efforts. Schools are also asked to turn their lights on during
this period.
H. Res. 437 expresses the sense of Congress in support of
National Night Out and asks the President to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
observe the 19th Annual National Night Out. This resolution
also requests that the President focus attention on
neighborhood crime prevention and community policing and
coordinate Federal efforts, such as the USA Freedom Corps, to
participate in National Night out. Neighborhood Crime Watch
Programs can also play an invaluable role in combating domestic
terrorism by increasing vigilance and awareness and encouraging
citizens--encouraging citizen participation in community safety
and homeland security.
So this year's National Night Out has even more
significance as our communities come together to show unity and
resolve in the face of these new terroristic threats. I am
pleased to be a cosponsor of the resolution with over 90 of our
colleagues. I urge the Committee to support this national focus
on crime prevention, and, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the
balance of my time.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Without objection, further opening
statements will be placed in the record at this point.
Are there amendments to the resolution?
Mr. Scott. Mr. Chairman?
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The gentleman from Virginia.
Mr. Scott. I understand that the gentleman from New York
will have an amendment when he arrives.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Well, are there amendments? If
there are no amendments, without objection, the previous
question is ordered.
Mr. Scott. Mr. Chairman, reserving the right to object.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The gentleman from Virginia.
Mr. Scott. I will object to the previous question being
called.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Well, that puts us in somewhat of a
conundrum because the resolution is still before the Committee
and the Committee has no business.
I would move the previous question on reporting the bill
favorably. The question is on ordering the previous question on
reporting the bill favorably. Those in favor will say aye?
Opposed, no? The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it, and
the previous question is ordered on reporting the bill
favorably.
[Intervening business.]
The Committee now returns to the pending unfinished
business upon which the previous question was ordered on House
Resolution 437. The Chair notes the presence of a reporting
quorum. The question is on the motion to report favorably the
resolution. Those in favor will say aye? Opposed, no?
The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. The motion to
report favorably is agreed to. Without objection, the staff is
directed to make any technical and conforming changes, and all
Members will be given 2 days, as provided by House rules, in
which to submit additional dissenting, supplemental, or
minority views.