Home Biography E-Newsletter E-mail Bob Volunteer Contributions Official Bobware!

Congressman Ehrlich Applauds Passage of Federal Project Exile Legislation

Ehrlich Continues Efforts for Maryland Project Exile

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announced a major victory for reducing crime with the passage of H.R. 4051, “Project Exile: The Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act of 2000.” Congressman Ehrlich co-sponsored the legislation which passed the House of Representatives today with a strong bi-partisan vote of 358- 60. At a press conference earlier today, Congressman Ehrlich spoke about this legislation, which provides block grants to states to implement Project Exile-like programs, and about his efforts to implement Project Exile in Maryland.

Project Exile is a proven crime fighting initiative which denies gun-toting criminals bail and plea bargains and sentences them to mandatory prison terms. In three years under Project Exile, the number of murders in Richmond, Virginia has dropped almost 50%.

Congressman Ehrlich stated, “In July 1999, I proposed to the United States Attorney for Maryland that Maryland adopt Project Exile to combat the spiraling murder rate in Baltimore. With existing federal laws, Maryland could follow Virginia’s lead in fighting gun-toting criminals.

“Despite opposition, I remain committed to bringing this proven anti-crime program to Maryland. I will continue working with Chairman Bill McCollum and members of the Crime Subcommittee to pass H.R. 4051, Project Exile: The Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act of 2000. This common-sense legislation will enable Maryland and other states to implement Project Exile programs which give gun-toting criminals tough prison time and make our neighborhoods and communities safer.”

Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Crime Rep. Bill McCollum (R-FL) stated, “Congressman Ehrlich has been a leader in Maryland in pushing for stronger enforcement of gun laws and a reduction in crime. I am hopeful with his help we can pass this proven, common sense approach and stop these avoidable tragedies.”

In states and communities around the country where aggressive prosecution of gun crimes has been coupled with tough prison sentences, violent crime has gone down. This bill will provide $100 million over the next 5 years as an incentive for states to implement such programs.

Qualifying states would be allowed to use federal funds to strengthen their criminal justice systems in a wide variety of ways: hiring and training more judges, prosecutors and probation officers; increasing prison capacity; and developing information-sharing case management systems to build case files for serious offenders.

Maryland, however, could be excluded from federal Project Exile funds due to a loophole in current Maryland law. The loophole allows criminals to avoid mandatory prison sentences. Earlier this year, Ehrlich endorsed state legislation which closes this loophole and establishes new standards to deny bail for felons arrested with guns.

Background:
In three years, Project Exile has brought charges against 576 criminals in Richmond. Accordingly, the murder rate in Richmond has dropped from 77 murders per 100,000 persons to 38 murders per 100,000 persons, a 50% decrease.

In contrast, over the past five years in Baltimore, only 275 charges have been brought by the U.S. Attorney’s office for Maryland. Accordingly, since 1994, the murder rate in Baltimore has actually risen, and approximately 300 people were victims of murder in each subsequent year.

Project Exile has the support of law enforcement as well as groups on both sides of the divisive gun control debate. The plan is endorsed by the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police, Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police, Baltimore County Fraternal Order of Police, Handgun Control, Inc., Virginians Against Handgun Violence, The National Rifle Association, and other sportsman’s groups.

Official Press release from the Congressional Office of Robert L. Ehrlich

<< Return to Official Press Release Index :: BobEhrlich.com