House Democrats Consider Deeper Cuts in $33 Billion Crime Bill

House Democratic leaders are struggling to maintain support for the $33 billion crime bill, with some considering deeper cuts to win over Republican moderates and sway holdouts among their own party. The bill, a top priority for the Clinton administration, faces significant hurdles as Democrats try to navigate the complexities of gun control and federal spending.

Key Takeaways:

• The House Democratic leadership is considering a 10 percent reduction to the $33 billion crime bill, which would equate to approximately $3.3 billion in cuts.
• The proposed reduction is in response to concerns from some Democrats that the bill is too expensive and may not attract the necessary 218 votes in the House.
• Republican leadership, led by Whip Newt Gingrich, has been working on an alternative crime bill that would block grant some of the funding to local governments, potentially reducing federal bureaucracy and saving an additional $700 million.
• A group of freshmen Democrats met with Congressman Lee Hamilton to discuss their concerns about the crime bill, with Hamilton stating that the meeting was "amiable" and no threats were made.
• Many Democrats, including New York Representative Charles Schumer, are expressing frustration with the process and accusing Republican leadership of moving the goalposts on negotiations.
• Republicans are working to block the bill at all costs, as evident in Gingrich's announcement of the alternative crime bill.

Statistics:

• The proposed $33 billion crime bill would be cut by approximately $3.3 billion (10%) if the 10 percent reduction is implemented.
• The Republican alternative crime bill aims to block grant $3.5 billion in funding to local governments.
• The $33 billion crime bill represents a significant increase in federal spending, with Democrats facing challenges in justifying the expense to their constituents.
• The freshmen Democrats who met with Hamilton have a significant amount riding on the bill's passage, as they want an anti-crime bill to demonstrate their commitment to the issue.
• The Clinton administration has made the crime bill a top priority, with President Clinton meeting with Democratic leaders to discuss the issue.

Sources:

• NPR: Brian Naylor
• Congressional news conference featuring Newt Gingrich
• Statement from Congressman Lee Hamilton
• Reports from the House floor
• Congressional committee meetings and negotiations
• Statements from Democratic and Republican leadership