Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, April 11, 2000

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 1 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Jill Homan April 1 1 , 2000 202/225-306 1 Congressman Ehrlich Works for Passage of Federal Project Exile Legislation House Votes Today on Bill to Keep Our Communities and Neighborhoods Safer Ehrlich Continues Efforts for Maryland Project Exile Washington, D.C. - Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. endorsed H.R. 4051, “Project Exile: The Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act of 2000 ” scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives today. At a press conference, 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 1 999, 1 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. 405 1 , 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.” c