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

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 2 1 093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11,2000 CONTACT: Jill Homan 202/225-3061 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. 405 1 , “ 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 blo’ck 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. 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