http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000003112420Obama Lists Suggested Program Cuts
By David Clarke and Paul M. Krawzak, CQ Staff
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“I have little doubt that there will be various interests, vocal and powerful, who will oppose different aspects of this budget,” he wrote in a letter to Congress. “However, I believe that after an era of profound irresponsibility, Americans are ready to embrace the shared responsibilities we have to each other and to generations to come.”
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Among the programs the president has put on the chopping block, and the projected savings, are:
• The Justice Department’s State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, $400 million. The program helps subsidize the cost to local and state governments of incarcerating illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. The White House argues the funding is too often used for other “correction-related” purposes, and says the administration is launching a “comprehensive border enforcement strategy” that negates the need for the program. The cut will likely be unpopular with border- state lawmakers.
• The Education Department’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities State grants, $295 million. The administration says the program is “poorly designed” and that it prefers to increase funding for other anti-drug programs.
• The Education Department civic education and American history programs, $37 million. The administration says it is redirecting the funding to a competitive grant program and says the existing programs do not award funding based on merit.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention Anthrax vaccine research program, $8 million. The administration says the program has achieved its goal of “reducing the number of required vaccine doses, simplifying the administration route, and conducting long-term safety surveillance.”