Transcripts For CSPAN Loretta Lynch Testimony On The Justice

Stretch the department spending. When it comes to Law Enforcement, your arrival at the department at a critical time of needed leadership is welcome. Since our hearing early this spring, with the departments lawenforcement chiefs, we have seen the departures of the atf director and the dea administrator. I hope you will Pay Attention to these Law Enforcement agencies. To ensure that they faithfully execute their duties during this time of change. As an example, the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms and explosives has a rule pending that would impose burdens burdensome and unnecessary regulations regarding firearms lost or stolen in transit. However, the atfs own statistics indicate this number is insignificant and should not be a cause for concern. It certainly does not warrant such encumbering regulations. Oversight and accountability should remain a top priority for this committee. I have consistently expressed my displeasure to your predecessor regarding the departments resistance to cooperating with the department of justices Inspector General. I continue to hear from the Inspector General that this office his office having difficulties obtaining documents needed to do their job. I urge you to work with the Inspector General to make sure he and his staff can successfully complete their reviews and audits of the department of justice. I have outlined the department that the Department Faces many challenges that will require fiscal support. The path to making meaningful progress runs through the subcommittee. I know that. As you begin your tenure, madam attorney general, i want to express the subcommittees hope that we will have a constructive working relationship. Thank you. Senator mikulski. Senator mikulski thank you, mr. Chairman. I want to welcome the attorney general. We are so glad that you were finally, finally, finally confirmed and we could get beyond the petty politics that were the obstruction to your confirmation. Before i go into my statement, i want to remind the committee that yesterday was senator shelbys birthday. Could we join in a round of applause and wish him good health . [applause] lets hope that is not the high point of the hearing. Madam attorney general, you have had an eventful first two weeks, and i know this is your first congressional hearing since you have been confirmed. We are looking forward to your testimony. In terms of the Justice Departments needs for its 2016 budget, we are eager to hear from you about the many ongoing efforts of the Many Justice Department agencies. We want to thank you, madam attorney general, for your work in coming to baltimore and your team coming into baltimore. It was helpful to the mayor, to our Police Department, and most of all, to the citizens, to have the presence of the Justice Department. I personally want to thank you on behalf of the entire maryland delegation for the professionalism of your team and yourself. I would like to knowledge the right of the Deputy Attorney general, mr. Ron davis, the director. Your Outstanding Community Relations Team that came in and provided crucial Technical Assistance during troubling times. We were in baltimore on tuesday together, as you listened to Faithbased Community officials and leaders. You met with local officials and even reached out to the freddie gray family. I will not be asking you any questions about the freddie gray investigation, because we know it is ongoing. You have gotten a request from the mayor about asking the department of justice to open a pattern and practice investigation into our Police Department. Later on this afternoon, you will be getting a letter from the maryland delegation supporting that request. That will go forward. I want to say this in many cities throughout the country, including my own town of baltimore, and communities primarily that have significant populations of color, there has been a tattered and broken trust between the community and the Police Department. We have to restore that trust, we need the Police Department. We want to express our condolences to the people and the Police Department of queens about the death of officer brian moore, who was gunned down so brutally. We do need criminal Justice Reform and we need it with an urgency of now. I intend to ask questions about what you need in the way of resources to do the job that needs to be done, and what reforms are needed that are specific and targeted. We are joined today by an outstanding appropriator and the chair Ranking Member of the authorizing committee. We are here to show that the American People have a government on their side and to have a constitutional focus to what we do. We have put money in the federal checkbook, 2. 3 billion for Grant Programs targeting resources for police, local government, and communities. They arrange for more cops on the beat, to dealing with the rape kit backlog, to child abuse. Mayors have told us they need help getting more cops on the beat, we had 180 million in doing that. We wanted to help them have the equipment they needed. And have 376 million in Grant Programs. Now we have to look at what does that mean. Some are crying out for body cameras. Is this one more gimmick or a crucial tool . Communities and nonprofits want to help young people. This is why we will look for your thoughts either today or in the ongoing discussion. When our juvenile Justice Programs of prevention intervention, who help with everything from delinquency prevention to the ongoing mentoring we need. Many civil Rights Groups and Community Leaders have called out for criminal Justice Reform. We are looking forward to your advice to that and know the Judiciary Committee will also be doing it. I will have questions related to money. And also, training. In other words if you get the , money, should you get training . I look forward to asking questions on if you get cops money, should there be required training on how to deal with racial and ethnic bias . What about the use of force . Should there be National Standards every Department Needs . What about body cameras . There are privacy concerns storage concerns, many concerns. What should we do . Last but not least, i hope for both this conversation and ongoing, the issue of the broken window policy. When the broken window policy was initiated by an eminent sociologist, john wilson, i supported it. I supported it as someone who started her career as a social worker, that if you fix the broken window, you intervene with youth when they were doing minor offenses, could we intervene in a way that prevented them from growing up doing major offenses . While we were looking at the broken the socalled criminal the minor criminal, we would fix the broken window, deal with vacant houses, deal with the truancy problem. Now what seems to happen is the policy has deteriorated where we have stopped fixing the broken window and have escalated the frisking. No more fixing but lots of frisk ing. That is what our folks feel. Last year, 120,000 only stops occurred in baltimore, we are a population of 610,000. That is a lot. I do not know what the appropriateness of that but we need to look at it. I sit here as the Ranking Member of the committee that will fund your department and assume my national responsibility. I am also here for the 85,000 kids, all of whom that day of the disturbance went home peacefully, what can we do to help them, the 610,000 lawabiding people in baltimore who obeyed the law and helped to do that. We look forward to working with you on what are the tools needed to restore confidence between our police and community. But also, put our arms around our young people and see what we can do to help them. Maybe when we fix a broken window, we have to fix a broken political process we have to get the job done. Thank you, and i look forward to your testimony. Senator shelby welcome to the committee, your written testimony will be made a part of the record. Loretta lynch thank you, sir. Thank you, mr. Chairman and remind me to come around on your birthday another time quite a celebration. Good morning, chairman shelby, vice chairman mikulski. And the other distinguished members of the subcommittee. It is indeed an honor to appear in front of you for the first time as attorney general. I look forward to working with all of you, today, and in the days ahead as we seek to protect and serve the American People together. I want to take a moment to extend a special thank you to senator mikulski for your leadership in the United States senate over the last three decades, for your support of the department of justice and its employees, and for the extraordinary example of Public Service you have provided to all americans, especially to women. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with you during your final two years in office. As we approach National Police week, which begins this week, it next week, it is fitting that we take a moment to consider the contributions and the needs of Law Enforcement thank you, sir. Actually sir, it seems to be fixed. Thank you, mr. Chairman. As i noted, National Police week will begin next week. At this time in history, it is important we take a moment to consider the contributions and needs of our Law Enforcement officers across the country. Law enforcement is a difficult profession, but a noble one. Over the course of my career as a federal prosecutor and as u. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of new york, i have been privileged to work closely with outstanding Public Safety officials. I have seen up close the dangers they face every day. As mentioned by senator mikulski, earlier this week, officer brian moore, a 25yearold new York City Police officer, died after being shot while trying to lessen a man in to question a man in queens. Just two days ago, Sergeant Greg moore of idaho was tragically gunned down, also while interacting with a suspicious individual. The tragic loss of these brave individuals serves as a devastating reminder that our nations Public Safety officials put their lives on the line every day to protect they have often never met. Their work is the foundation of the trust that must exist between Law Enforcement officers and the communities we all serve. That is why, when there are allegations of wrongdoing made against individual officers and Police Departments, the department of justice has a responsibility to examine the evidence and, if necessary, to help them implement change. While i was in baltimore on tuesday, i met with the mayor, Law Enforcement officials, and the community, faith, and youth leaders. I spoke with an officer who was injured amidst the violence and heard a number of ideas regarding ways in which the Justice Department can continue assisting baltimore as they work to recover from recent unrest. Although the city has made significant strides in their collaborative Reform Efforts with the Community Oriented policing services office, i have not ruled out the possibility that more may need to be done. I sure you senators, i am i assure you, senators, i am listening to all voices. We are in the process of considering the request from city officials and community and Police Leaders for an investigation into whether the Baltimore City Police Department engaged in a pattern or practice of civil Rights Violations and i intend to have a decision in the coming days. The situation in baltimore involves a core responsibility of the department of justice. Not only to combat illegal conduct, but to prevent circumstances that give rise in the first place. Going forward, your support of the department and of our funding and the president s fiscal year 20 seeking budget request will enable us to build on successes and make further progress in the mission with which we are interested. I am pleased to say that this budget request is in line with my highest priorities. Safeguarding our National Security. Defending the most honorable among us vulnerable among us. And strengthening trust between Law Enforcement officers and the communities that we serve. Of course, our most important objective must be protecting the American People from terrorism and other threats to our National Security. As you know, under my predecessor, eric holder, the department of justice engaged in an essential efforts to counter filing extremism and domestic radicalization to strengthen counterterrorism measure promote information sharing and collaboration with the intelligence community. And provide training and Technical Assistance to our foreign partners. We must advance on all fronts, we must prepare to meet new and emerging threats and vigorously defend american citizens at home and abroad. The president s budget request will strengthen our National Security efforts by investing a total of 4. 6 billion in the departments cutting edge programs. This total includes 775 million, an increase of 27 million to address cyber crimes and enhancing the security of information networks. In an age in which criminals have the ability to threaten our National Security and our economic wellbeing from far beyond our borders, is critical that we ban our focus and strengthen our defenses to protect all americans from explication and abuse. I believe that Cyber Security must be the top priority for the department of justice. This funding will allow us to build on the outstanding work of the department in identifying new threats, sorting attempted intrusions and bringing perpetrators of wrongdoing wherever they may hide, to justice. As the Department Works to safeguard american security, we are equally committed to upholding american values, including the protection of our most vulnerable populations. The fiscal year 2016 budget would provide 103 million in new civil rights investments to address hate crimes, sexual violence, and human trafficking. An area that warrants a renewed focus and efforts. It would allocate 100. 4 million 124 million to approve the efficiency of the court system by supporting additional immigration judge teams and board of immigration appeals attorneys by expanding the successful legal orientation programs and allowing for additional legal representation for unaccompanied children and deliver 247 million in program increases for the smart on Crime Initiative, designed to address americas overreliance on incarceration while reducing recidivism and deploying Law Enforcement resources more effectively. By all evidence, this program has been a major success as well as an area of bipartisan cooperation and agreement. The requested funds in issues budget will allow us to expand this critical work and amplify our shared commitment to a fair and efficient and effective criminal Justice System. The department has made clear, and i support, this innovative approach does not lessen our resolve to combat Violent Crimes, drug trafficking, and other violations of federal law. We remain determined to investigate and prosecute criminal activity. The president s budget supports our goals by appropriating an additional 43 million to investigate and hold accountable those who break federal laws and harm innocent citizens. From the legal firearm and drug traffickers to perpetrators of healthcare scams and financial fraud. In all of our efforts, we intend to work closely, not only with this body, but with our Law Enforcement partners on the front lines across the country. That is why the president s request allocates an additional 154 million to support state, local, and tribal partners in their own efforts to counter violent extremism, higher and hire and retain officers serve the victims of Crime Research best practices, improve indigent defense and expand reentry programs. This appropriation includes nearly 95. 5 million for the Community Oriented policing Law Enforcement<\/a>, your arrival at the department at a critical time of needed leadership is welcome. Since our hearing early this spring, with the departments lawenforcement chiefs, we have seen the departures of the atf director and the dea administrator. I hope you will Pay Attention<\/a> to these Law Enforcement<\/a> agencies. To ensure that they faithfully execute their duties during this time of change. As an example, the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms and explosives has a rule pending that would impose burdens burdensome and unnecessary regulations regarding firearms lost or stolen in transit. However, the atfs own statistics indicate this number is insignificant and should not be a cause for concern. It certainly does not warrant such encumbering regulations. Oversight and accountability should remain a top priority for this committee. I have consistently expressed my displeasure to your predecessor regarding the departments resistance to cooperating with the department of justices Inspector General<\/a>. I continue to hear from the Inspector General<\/a> that this office his office having difficulties obtaining documents needed to do their job. I urge you to work with the Inspector General<\/a> to make sure he and his staff can successfully complete their reviews and audits of the department of justice. I have outlined the department that the Department Faces<\/a> many challenges that will require fiscal support. The path to making meaningful progress runs through the subcommittee. I know that. As you begin your tenure, madam attorney general, i want to express the subcommittees hope that we will have a constructive working relationship. Thank you. Senator mikulski. Senator mikulski thank you, mr. Chairman. I want to welcome the attorney general. We are so glad that you were finally, finally, finally confirmed and we could get beyond the petty politics that were the obstruction to your confirmation. Before i go into my statement, i want to remind the committee that yesterday was senator shelbys birthday. Could we join in a round of applause and wish him good health . [applause] lets hope that is not the high point of the hearing. Madam attorney general, you have had an eventful first two weeks, and i know this is your first congressional hearing since you have been confirmed. We are looking forward to your testimony. In terms of the Justice Department<\/a>s needs for its 2016 budget, we are eager to hear from you about the many ongoing efforts of the Many Justice Department<\/a> agencies. We want to thank you, madam attorney general, for your work in coming to baltimore and your team coming into baltimore. It was helpful to the mayor, to our Police Department<\/a>, and most of all, to the citizens, to have the presence of the Justice Department<\/a>. I personally want to thank you on behalf of the entire maryland delegation for the professionalism of your team and yourself. I would like to knowledge the right of the Deputy Attorney<\/a> general, mr. Ron davis, the director. Your Outstanding Community<\/a> Relations Team<\/a> that came in and provided crucial Technical Assistance<\/a> during troubling times. We were in baltimore on tuesday together, as you listened to Faithbased Community<\/a> officials and leaders. You met with local officials and even reached out to the freddie gray family. I will not be asking you any questions about the freddie gray investigation, because we know it is ongoing. You have gotten a request from the mayor about asking the department of justice to open a pattern and practice investigation into our Police Department<\/a>. Later on this afternoon, you will be getting a letter from the maryland delegation supporting that request. That will go forward. I want to say this in many cities throughout the country, including my own town of baltimore, and communities primarily that have significant populations of color, there has been a tattered and broken trust between the community and the Police Department<\/a>. We have to restore that trust, we need the Police Department<\/a>. We want to express our condolences to the people and the Police Department<\/a> of queens about the death of officer brian moore, who was gunned down so brutally. We do need criminal Justice Reform<\/a> and we need it with an urgency of now. I intend to ask questions about what you need in the way of resources to do the job that needs to be done, and what reforms are needed that are specific and targeted. We are joined today by an outstanding appropriator and the chair Ranking Member<\/a> of the authorizing committee. We are here to show that the American People<\/a> have a government on their side and to have a constitutional focus to what we do. We have put money in the federal checkbook, 2. 3 billion for Grant Programs<\/a> targeting resources for police, local government, and communities. They arrange for more cops on the beat, to dealing with the rape kit backlog, to child abuse. Mayors have told us they need help getting more cops on the beat, we had 180 million in doing that. We wanted to help them have the equipment they needed. And have 376 million in Grant Programs<\/a>. Now we have to look at what does that mean. Some are crying out for body cameras. Is this one more gimmick or a crucial tool . Communities and nonprofits want to help young people. This is why we will look for your thoughts either today or in the ongoing discussion. When our juvenile Justice Programs<\/a> of prevention intervention, who help with everything from delinquency prevention to the ongoing mentoring we need. Many civil Rights Groups<\/a> and Community Leaders<\/a> have called out for criminal Justice Reform<\/a>. We are looking forward to your advice to that and know the Judiciary Committee<\/a> will also be doing it. I will have questions related to money. And also, training. In other words if you get the , money, should you get training . I look forward to asking questions on if you get cops money, should there be required training on how to deal with racial and ethnic bias . What about the use of force . Should there be National Standards<\/a> every Department Needs<\/a> . What about body cameras . There are privacy concerns storage concerns, many concerns. What should we do . Last but not least, i hope for both this conversation and ongoing, the issue of the broken window policy. When the broken window policy was initiated by an eminent sociologist, john wilson, i supported it. I supported it as someone who started her career as a social worker, that if you fix the broken window, you intervene with youth when they were doing minor offenses, could we intervene in a way that prevented them from growing up doing major offenses . While we were looking at the broken the socalled criminal the minor criminal, we would fix the broken window, deal with vacant houses, deal with the truancy problem. Now what seems to happen is the policy has deteriorated where we have stopped fixing the broken window and have escalated the frisking. No more fixing but lots of frisk ing. That is what our folks feel. Last year, 120,000 only stops occurred in baltimore, we are a population of 610,000. That is a lot. I do not know what the appropriateness of that but we need to look at it. I sit here as the Ranking Member<\/a> of the committee that will fund your department and assume my national responsibility. I am also here for the 85,000 kids, all of whom that day of the disturbance went home peacefully, what can we do to help them, the 610,000 lawabiding people in baltimore who obeyed the law and helped to do that. We look forward to working with you on what are the tools needed to restore confidence between our police and community. But also, put our arms around our young people and see what we can do to help them. Maybe when we fix a broken window, we have to fix a broken political process we have to get the job done. Thank you, and i look forward to your testimony. Senator shelby welcome to the committee, your written testimony will be made a part of the record. Loretta lynch thank you, sir. Thank you, mr. Chairman and remind me to come around on your birthday another time quite a celebration. Good morning, chairman shelby, vice chairman mikulski. And the other distinguished members of the subcommittee. It is indeed an honor to appear in front of you for the first time as attorney general. I look forward to working with all of you, today, and in the days ahead as we seek to protect and serve the American People<\/a> together. I want to take a moment to extend a special thank you to senator mikulski for your leadership in the United States<\/a> senate over the last three decades, for your support of the department of justice and its employees, and for the extraordinary example of Public Service<\/a> you have provided to all americans, especially to women. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with you during your final two years in office. As we approach National Police<\/a> week, which begins this week, it next week, it is fitting that we take a moment to consider the contributions and the needs of Law Enforcement<\/a> thank you, sir. Actually sir, it seems to be fixed. Thank you, mr. Chairman. As i noted, National Police<\/a> week will begin next week. At this time in history, it is important we take a moment to consider the contributions and needs of our Law Enforcement<\/a> officers across the country. Law enforcement is a difficult profession, but a noble one. Over the course of my career as a federal prosecutor and as u. S. Attorney for the Eastern District<\/a> of new york, i have been privileged to work closely with outstanding Public Safety<\/a> officials. I have seen up close the dangers they face every day. As mentioned by senator mikulski, earlier this week, officer brian moore, a 25yearold new York City Police<\/a> officer, died after being shot while trying to lessen a man in to question a man in queens. Just two days ago, Sergeant Greg<\/a> moore of idaho was tragically gunned down, also while interacting with a suspicious individual. The tragic loss of these brave individuals serves as a devastating reminder that our nations Public Safety<\/a> officials put their lives on the line every day to protect they have often never met. Their work is the foundation of the trust that must exist between Law Enforcement<\/a> officers and the communities we all serve. That is why, when there are allegations of wrongdoing made against individual officers and Police Department<\/a>s, the department of justice has a responsibility to examine the evidence and, if necessary, to help them implement change. While i was in baltimore on tuesday, i met with the mayor, Law Enforcement<\/a> officials, and the community, faith, and youth leaders. I spoke with an officer who was injured amidst the violence and heard a number of ideas regarding ways in which the Justice Department<\/a> can continue assisting baltimore as they work to recover from recent unrest. Although the city has made significant strides in their collaborative Reform Efforts<\/a> with the Community Oriented<\/a> policing services office, i have not ruled out the possibility that more may need to be done. I sure you senators, i am i assure you, senators, i am listening to all voices. We are in the process of considering the request from city officials and community and Police Leaders<\/a> for an investigation into whether the Baltimore City<\/a> Police Department<\/a> engaged in a pattern or practice of civil Rights Violations<\/a> and i intend to have a decision in the coming days. The situation in baltimore involves a core responsibility of the department of justice. Not only to combat illegal conduct, but to prevent circumstances that give rise in the first place. Going forward, your support of the department and of our funding and the president s fiscal year 20 seeking budget request will enable us to build on successes and make further progress in the mission with which we are interested. I am pleased to say that this budget request is in line with my highest priorities. Safeguarding our National Security<\/a>. Defending the most honorable among us vulnerable among us. And strengthening trust between Law Enforcement<\/a> officers and the communities that we serve. Of course, our most important objective must be protecting the American People<\/a> from terrorism and other threats to our National Security<\/a>. As you know, under my predecessor, eric holder, the department of justice engaged in an essential efforts to counter filing extremism and domestic radicalization to strengthen counterterrorism measure promote information sharing and collaboration with the intelligence community. And provide training and Technical Assistance<\/a> to our foreign partners. We must advance on all fronts, we must prepare to meet new and emerging threats and vigorously defend american citizens at home and abroad. The president s budget request will strengthen our National Security<\/a> efforts by investing a total of 4. 6 billion in the departments cutting edge programs. This total includes 775 million, an increase of 27 million to address cyber crimes and enhancing the security of information networks. In an age in which criminals have the ability to threaten our National Security<\/a> and our economic wellbeing from far beyond our borders, is critical that we ban our focus and strengthen our defenses to protect all americans from explication and abuse. I believe that Cyber Security<\/a> must be the top priority for the department of justice. This funding will allow us to build on the outstanding work of the department in identifying new threats, sorting attempted intrusions and bringing perpetrators of wrongdoing wherever they may hide, to justice. As the Department Works<\/a> to safeguard american security, we are equally committed to upholding american values, including the protection of our most vulnerable populations. The fiscal year 2016 budget would provide 103 million in new civil rights investments to address hate crimes, sexual violence, and human trafficking. An area that warrants a renewed focus and efforts. It would allocate 100. 4 million 124 million to approve the efficiency of the court system by supporting additional immigration judge teams and board of immigration appeals attorneys by expanding the successful legal orientation programs and allowing for additional legal representation for unaccompanied children and deliver 247 million in program increases for the smart on Crime Initiative<\/a>, designed to address americas overreliance on incarceration while reducing recidivism and deploying Law Enforcement<\/a> resources more effectively. By all evidence, this program has been a major success as well as an area of bipartisan cooperation and agreement. The requested funds in issues budget will allow us to expand this critical work and amplify our shared commitment to a fair and efficient and effective criminal Justice System<\/a>. The department has made clear, and i support, this innovative approach does not lessen our resolve to combat Violent Crime<\/a>s, drug trafficking, and other violations of federal law. We remain determined to investigate and prosecute criminal activity. The president s budget supports our goals by appropriating an additional 43 million to investigate and hold accountable those who break federal laws and harm innocent citizens. From the legal firearm and drug traffickers to perpetrators of healthcare scams and financial fraud. In all of our efforts, we intend to work closely, not only with this body, but with our Law Enforcement<\/a> partners on the front lines across the country. That is why the president s request allocates an additional 154 million to support state, local, and tribal partners in their own efforts to counter violent extremism, higher and hire and retain officers serve the victims of Crime Research<\/a> best practices, improve indigent defense and expand reentry programs. This appropriation includes nearly 95. 5 million for the Community Oriented<\/a> policing Services Hiring<\/a> program. The 5 million for tribal Law Enforcement<\/a> and 20 million for the Collaborative Reform Initiative<\/a>, a recently developed pogrom that facilitates collaborations between offices and lawenforcement agencies seeking assistance on a wide variety of criminal justice issues, from use of force practices in the deployment of crisis intervention teams, to Building Trust<\/a> with the members of their communities. As we have seen in recent days programs that establish trust and improve collaboration are essential to carrying out our Law Enforcement<\/a> duties effectively. Add to the overall safety of the American People<\/a>. In the days ahead, i hope and intend to bolster our efforts in that area. Im eager to work with the subcommittee and congress to build on the many achievements of the department of justice and to secure the timely passage of the president s budget request which provides 28. 7 billion in discretionary resources. Including 26. 3 billion for vital federal programs and 2. 4 billion for state, local, and tribal assistance programs. As a former attorney u. S. Attorney who saw who lived through the unsustainability of sequester, i can tell you that this level of support is necessary to ensure that we can continue to protect the American People<\/a> and effectively serve the priorities of the United States<\/a> of america. Esther chairman, Ranking Member<\/a>, mr. Chairman, Ranking Member<\/a>s, subcommittee, i thank you for the opportunity to meet with you here today and discuss the work of the department and i happy to answer questions you may have. Thank you for your time. Thank you, madam attorney general. In november of 2014, the president expanded immigration amnesty through executive order. In furtherance of his 2012 executive order to people over the age of 30, new arrivals. It allows for million additional 4 million additional Illegal Immigrants<\/a> who had been in the country for five years and who are parents of u. S. Citizens to apply every three years for deportation deferrals. In january of this year, you testified during your confirmation hearing that you believe that the president s executive actions are legal and constitutional, even though the president stated on record many times he did not believe he had the constitutional power to grant amnesty without authority from the congress. Why do you believe the president s executive actions granting amnesty to millions of Illegal Immigrants<\/a> are legal and constitutional . Loretta lynch you have focusing have focused on one of the most challenging issues. As i indicated during my january testimony, as a career prosecutor and former u. S. Attorney, i focused on the prioritization on the removal of the most dangerous of illegal immigration from our country. With respect to that issue, i found that to be a reasonable exercise of administrative and prosecutorial discretion. With respect to the actions involving the issuance of deferral to new members who would apply for that, i believe that matter is the subject under consideration by the courts, as you have noted, those actions have been enjoined, and as i stated during those proceedings, im committed to abiding by the injunction and working with the department of Homeland Security<\/a> to ensure the injunction is supported while it is pending. Senator shelby as you assume the position, how would you enforce current and enforce current immigration laws, given your belief that the recent executive actions trump existing laws . Do all executive actions trump the laws of congress . How do you rationalize that . Loretta lynch sir, i believe they are a resource both in dealing with illegal immigration and criminal activity that results from illegal immigration. The departments own executive office of Immigration Reform<\/a> is charged with adjudicating various types of immigration filing. That department has suffered from a backlog of cases and inefficiency that have delayed actions separate and apart from the president s new policies that have delayed actions for too long. Within the new budget request, the department would seek to hire additional judges, 55, to reduce this backlog. Also, recognizing that we cannot wait for additional money, we are taking steps to try and make the executive office of Immigration Reform<\/a> more efficient. Previous to my testimony, the judges have worked to triage the types of cases that need to be adjudicated quickly, judges have been reassigned and redeployed to handle the backlog of cases. Because we recognize that is unsustainable. Apart from the Immigration Reform<\/a>, im sure the committee is aware, approximately 30 of federal criminal cases that are brought by our u. S. Attorneys across the country, relate to immigration offenses. Apart from the legal result of the court result of the november policy, the department of justice is moving forward, both to prosecute criminal activity resulting from illegal immigration and to support the work of its executive office of Immigration Reform<\/a>, which we believe is vital. Senator shelby i want us to shift into the area of financial fraud. In your previous jobs you were , directly involved in several highprofile financial fraud settlements. It is my understanding that not one of those settlements involved a criminal prosecution. Why did you and the department i know you were not the attorney not pursue criminal charges and how could you enter into a billiondollar settlement sometimes with firms guilty of fraud and never see fit to prosecute one person for mortgage or financial fraud . And will that change since you are the attorney general . Are people buying justice . Loretta lynch with respect to the work i conducted as u. S. Attorney in regards to the Residential Mortgage<\/a> tax securities initiative, my office was involved in two of the major settlements of that as well as other outstanding attorneys u. S. Attorneys offices across the country. Throughout those investigations, the message at the time, both from the leadership at the time, from all the u. S. Attorneys working on that and for myself to my team, the direction was, no entity is above the law, no individual is above the law, no one is too big or powerful to jail or fail. What the department does in every case is follow the evidence. We ascertain the best way of achieving Legal Compliance<\/a> when there have been violations and providing redress to victims. We look carefully, in every case, not just rmbs cases, but every case involving a Financial Institution<\/a> where american citizens have lost money to determine the best way to bring those wrongdoers to justice and where the evidence leads us, to find evidence that we can prove the on a reasonable doubt that beyond a reasonable doubt that there has been a criminal violation, we go in that direction. I would point you to the number of criminal fraud prosecutions brought by my office on behalf of the they gives of ponzi of the victims of ponzi schemes, mortgage fraud schemes, and real estate schemes over the years involving hardworking americans who were defrauded of their life savings. Where we find evidence that points towards civil liability we pursue that. I assure you, senator, that both in my prior position and going forward, i take very seriously the obligation to protect our citizens from fraud of all types and it is one of my highest priorities as attorney general. Mr. Shelby the threshold for a civil case is not as high, and neither should it be is that correct . Loretta lynch yes, a different burden of proof. When there is criminal evidence, we proceed. Who can provide proof of that. Mr. Chairman, madam attorney general, of the many programs you have at the local level, in baltimore, we have a topnotch u. S. Attorneys office, an fbi field office, joint task force is working with local government going against everything from human trafficking, such a violent, despicable thing, to medicare fraud. Which we know, in florida, is a 3 billion, defrauding our government of money that should be in the trust fund, helping sick people. We thank you for what you are doing. The issue is also focusing on criminal Justice Reform<\/a>. The cost of the Grant Program<\/a>, cops go directly to local Law Enforcement<\/a>. You think there should be mandatory training in the areas of ethnic and racial bias as well as on the use of force, and there should be a national standard. In other words, in order to get the money, you have to take the training that that behavior will not had her tatter or break the trust the Community Must<\/a> feel. Loretta lynch as we administer our Grant Programs<\/a>, all of the issues are on the table and under consideration. Currently, our view is that we feel the Grant Program<\/a> is an important tool in bringing offices into compliance with not only federal standards, but Community Standards<\/a> they are aware of. We would not use that as a barrier to the Grant Program<\/a> but rather as an incentive to work with us and gain training on use of force policies. We have grants targeted toward that. Whether a collaborative reform effort, we provide specific training on best practices involving the use of force. Not only do we provide the training, we attempt to link local Law Enforcement<\/a> with other local Law Enforcement<\/a> offices that received training senator mikulski we will get lost in collaborative reform at all this. We know Baltimore City<\/a> the mayor and Police Commissioner<\/a> and other elected officials have initiated a collaborative reform effort in baltimore. That is a voluntary effort where Police Department<\/a>s reach out to you and his or her offices to evaluate the department on how to better improve police and Community Relations<\/a>. That is underway. That is voluntary. There is the pattern and practice investigation, we have asked for that, you will make your determination later on whether you will initiate it. What about where they had not asked for collaborative reform but they have asked for money . There is a lot of, lets get the money, and we supported more cops on the beat, bonnie grants so Law Enforcement<\/a> would have the tools they needed. Then, they took the money but we see other issues the Community Based<\/a> leaders are saying the relationship is worn. If you get the money, should there be training, deliberate bias, the use of force . Do you think are part whether they have a collaborative reform effort underway or not . Loretta lynch separate or apart, and the grant situation we seek to provide training, my only point was i do not want to disagree with you because it is an important point, my point is we do not use it as a barrier to obtaining the grant, but rather an incentive to work with us and obtain training from different sources. Some of the training will come as a result of the grants, some as a result of us connecting police senator mikulski the community feels, they get a lot of money from the feds and we do not have a standard. I would like to have an ongoing conversation. Senator mikulski those are a under Loretta Lynch<\/a> those are under consideration because they are important. Senator mikulski what other reforms do you have to help restore this trust that exists to restore our communities . Loretta lynch we have touched a little bit on the collaborative reform process, but without Community Trust<\/a> it may not be as effective as we would wish. We have other tools to consider. Within our programs, we provide program on use of force, we provide training on building Community Trust<\/a>. As you mentioned earlier through our Community Relations<\/a> service, work with the community to empower them to engage with their local leaders, the Police Department<\/a>, and to hold them accountable. We do think Community Accountability<\/a> is an important part of that relationship. Senator mikulski if there is a second round, i will focus on justice. Senator shelby senator kirk . Senator kirk [indiscernible] prosecutions. I understand that countrywide, we have assuming 5 of the United States<\/a>, that means we would have had over 60 rico prosecutors and in our era our area. Right now it is about zero, i want to encourage you to work with our u. S. Attorney to make sure the rico prosecutions we have we can prosecute gangs of national significance. The issue of crime gangs, taking over our cities, rico is a statute we should go with. Loretta lynch i could not agree with you more on the efficacy of the rico statue senator kirk let me add one thing. We have added money to combat these gangs. Chicago has arrested about 344 people in relation to this effort. Is that your understanding . Loretta lynch i do not have the numbers, i know it is active in the chicago area. Senator kirk thank you. Loretta lynch senator to follow , up on your previous point, i could not agree with you more on the efficacy of the rico statutes in targeting gang leadership. The importance of taking out the leadership of a gang, from a Law Enforcement<\/a> perspective and the Community Perspective<\/a> cannot be overstated. Thank you for the discussions you and i had during my courtesy visits with you and i have had discussions with the u. S. Attorney in chicago, as well as the head of our Criminal Division<\/a> in washington about finding ways to bolster those efforts. Both have assured me they are also committed to using this important tool. Senator kirk want to make sure we get the word down to Leslie Caldwell<\/a> and doug. Make sure they follow up. Loretta lynch i have spoken with them and they are committed to this. Thank you, sir. Senator leahy. Senator leahy thank you. Nice to see you. Thank you for being here. I agree with what senator mikulski said about baltimore and it is not only important for the community, but to the country. I understand that, as you did in your hearing before the Judiciary Committee<\/a>, immigration, executive action, something, since i have been here, every president has done executive actions on immigration, the most extensive by president reagan. Also point out, executive actions are usually done when congress does not act. We spent hundreds of hours putting together an immigration bill in the u. S. Senate the past couple of years it passed a couple of years ago. Two thirds of senators voted for it. Huge bipartisan effort. The Republican Leadership<\/a> in the house, even though by all accounts it would have passed the house of representatives refused to take it up. I have trouble hearing criticisms of the president finally acting when the congress would not. The congress does not like what the president has done on immigration, pass and immigration bill. We did it in the senate. The Republican Leadership<\/a> refused to bring it up in the house. Had they, we would not be having this question. So, i just say that. If we do not like it, lets pass a bill. We should reform our federal sentencing laws. The bureau of prisons is consuming nearly one third of the departments budget. Talk about what we should be doing Law Enforcement<\/a> we have excessive mandatory minimum sentences. One of the proposals by the senate Judiciary Committee<\/a> would reduce mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenses. In your long career as a prosecutor, you prosecuted many drug cases, i prosecuted many drug cases. Do you think we could reduce those mandatory minimums and still keep our communities safe . Loretta lynch senator, we can have sentencing reform that enables us to reduce the mandatory minimums and keep communities safe. The recent effort at sentencing reform that would seek to reduce mandatory minimums do not eliminate them, they recognize the need to provide serious punishment for the most serious offenders. In fact, that we have seen with the smart on Crime Initiative<\/a> is that while overall drug cases may have gone down, the longer sentences have gone up. We are trying to focus on those larger offenders, the largescale traffickers flooding our communities with poisons, as opposed to the lowerlevel offenders who need to be punished, but at a different scale. Sentencing reform is a way to make sure these efforts continue. Senator leahy people think we can do a one size fits all california did that with three strikes and youre out, it nearly bankrupted the state. Taking money from our enforcement, some people should be in prison, others are wasting time and money. That money could be used in other areas of the criminal Justice System<\/a>. Im worried about the increase of heroin use and overdoses. In my state of vermont, we have not been spared. Between 2000 and 2012, addiction imprimatur rose by more than 770 . Last week the state Police Issued<\/a> a warning about heroin laced with another drug. It was linked to Overdose Deaths<\/a> in our state. We will never solve the issue, but the Law Enforcement<\/a> agencies, particularly in small states and rural areas need help. I pushed last year to create a new Grant Program<\/a> that supports a antiheroine task force. AntiHeroin Task Force<\/a>. That is getting underway. The Justice Department<\/a> was to address the rising number of heroin uses. Can you tell me how that is going and what you might be able to do to help . Loretta lynch yes, senator, it is the intersection of Law Enforcement<\/a> and Public Health<\/a> issue. With respect, our budget request additional funds to deal with this uptick in heroin abuse and other emerging drug areas. There is a senate mandated Heroin Task Force<\/a>, they held their first meeting last week. The Deputy Attorney<\/a> general is actively involved. It deals not only with Law Enforcement<\/a>, but the Public Health<\/a> issues. It has led and supplemented by u. S. Attorneys who, over the past several years, have worked with Public Health<\/a> officials and local communities to deal with this as a Public Health<\/a> crisis. We are bringing all voices to the table in an attempt to get the policies that have been effective at a local level obligated nationwide promulgated nationwide. The budget calls for increases that would support our Law Enforcement<\/a> efforts in heroin and opioid addiction in general. We still have a Prescription Drug<\/a> crisis that is tied to this. Thank you. Senator leahy thank you. Senator collins attorney general lynch, just this morning, the Second Circuit<\/a> court of appeals held section 215 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act<\/a> does not authorize government to engage in the bulk collection of phone numbers under the metadata program. One of the president s independent review with look at this law, the former Deputy Director<\/a> of the cia, as well as the former director of the fbi robert mueller, had said that, had this program then in place prior to the terrorist attacks on our country on 9 11, it likely would have prevented those attacks. We have a very serious question of balancing security with privacy rights and the clarity of the law, which is set to expire that provision june 1. Since january of last year, this section of fisa new procedures instituted by the president. The attorney general provides a semiannual report on privacy violations associated with the law. The new procedures provides that accepted emergencies the court is now record to approve, ahead of time, any questions of phone records, database, because of the changes made by the president. 2 questions are you aware of any significant privacy file nations that have occurred privacy violations since the president instituted these reforms . Has the Justice Department<\/a> made a decision on appealing this decision by the Second Circuit<\/a> . I realize it just came down. Loretta lynch section 215 has been a vital tool in National Security<\/a> arsenal. The department has been operating under the new directive by the president with a view towards modifying the program to keep its efficacy but preserved privacy is interest. I am not aware of violations that have come to light. I will seek a briefing on that and should i learn of any i will advise the committee of that. If my knowledge changes, but i have not been informed of any violations under the new policy. The decision i the Second Circuit<\/a>, my home circuit, we are reviewing that decision, but giving the time issues involving the expiration of it, we are also and had been working with this body and others to look for ways to reauthorize section 215 in a way that preserves its efficacy and provides protects privacy. Senator collins i want to turn to an issue the tremendous increase in the number of scams targeting our nations seniors, ranging from the jamaican lottery scheme, the grandparents scam and the irs imposters scam. What we have learned is that these scammers typically operate offshore and rely upon advanced to medication and payment communication and payment technology. The losses are devastating and aggregate in the billions. Yet, the federal government has been slow in its approach to going after these criminals. Only the federal government cant realistically tackle the International Crime<\/a> networks behind many of these scams. Can tackle. Under your predecessor, the department refused to send to the committee, a witness to testify on the departments efforts, that was appalling to both the Ranking Member<\/a>s senator Claire Mccaskill<\/a> and to me. What can the department do to be more aggressive in prosecuting these scams which aggregate in the billions of dollars and will you pledge from now on, the department will cooperate with our investigation . Loretta lynch with respect to the very important bill the subcommittee roll the subcommittee place in getting information, i will always strive to cooperate and provide either a witness or information, whatever is best for the committee to receive so we can help you learn him a not only about priorities and issues, but to do the important work of the subcommittee. I am not aware of the circumstances around that previous request, but i will always commit to providing this committee with the assistance it needs, either before the committee or at the staff level. With respect to the important matter you raised about these overseasbased fraud schemes the other troubling factor to me is that many of them target elderly populations. That is a vulnerable population to telemarketing schemes, be they based locally or overseas. Very troubling to me and the protection of our vulnerable population is a priority. Im not aware of cases in our pipeline, i will ask for a review of this important issue our budget asks for funding to continue the fight against fraud. I know all of the agencies involved in this, you mentioned, the irs scandal calls, that agency is very concerned about that. As someone who received one of those calls myself, i can tell you, if one is not aware of the fraudulent nature of them, they can be very disturbing and it is easy to see how seniors and other people can get pulled in to that. Senator baldwin. Senator baldwin thank you for holding this hearing and welcome madam attorney general, it is great to see you again, this time in your official capacity leading the department of justice. I was pleased to hear you are giving voice to the seriousness of which you take issues of over prescription, addiction, and abuse and diversion of opioids. I want to call your attention to a situation in my state of wisconsin. At a medical facility where there are a number of investigations ongoing relating to these pressing issues. I called on your predecessor attorney general holder, to investigate potential criminal activity at this facility. My request and my communication to your predecessor was based on multiple sources, including published investigative reports, numerous whistleblowers and citizens who had contacted my office conveying information that, in my mind raised serious questions about criminal activity. Currently, the v. A. Is conducting an investigation, as is the Inspector General<\/a>. The dea is engaged in an investigation of allegations of Drug Diversion<\/a>s at the facility. I remain convinced that there are additional elements that that warrants further criminal investigation. My letter to your predecessor outlined some of those. Adjusted the Alarming Number<\/a> of 911 calls made from the facility over the past several years, over 2000. Reports of 24 unexplained deaths. Allegations of illegal access to confidential patient information and Law Enforcement<\/a> records. As a consequence, i would ask you, will you evaluate these allegations and coordinate with the existing three of federal investigations to determine if there are additional criminal investigations warranted and appropriate in this case . Loretta lynch i thank you for raising this issue. I think the security of those who use our veterans hospitals is foremost a priority, not just for me but for our country. My family has used those hospitals. I am aware of how vital a resource they are. I am aware of the situation. I have not had a briefing yet. I will commit to you that i will request a briefing and make sure that we coordinate. Sen. Baldwin given the urgency with which we respond to the opioid abuse problems, i want to make you aware of some impediments in the dea investigation into Drug Diversion<\/a> at the v. A. The dea nva have differing and the v. A. Have differing interpretations of the scope of patient privacy laws. This may be limiting the ability of v. A. Personnel to fully dissipate in interviews, they are told they cannot reveal particular information about patients. It would be an incredible obstacle to a thorough investigation. If you have previously been briefed, i would ask the status of the effort to resolve the confusion and if you need authorization language from the congress to resolve this issue i would appreciate it if you would provide that to my staff. Loretta lynch i have not yet been briefed on this matter, i am aware of the dea investigation into the situation. I support it. I will look into whether there are impediments to them being able to view this is a criminal matter. Sen alexander i was at my Law School Reunion<\/a> it. Senator alexander i was at my Law School Reunion<\/a>. Many of my classmates knew you and were very complementary. I want to thank you for something. It is my understanding that the Drug Enforcement<\/a> administration will approve the application to import industrial hempseed score hempseeds for research purposes. That may seem like a small matter, but it was important to our state agricultural department. It was a practical issue. The seeds had to be planted in may. I thank you for moving that along. On the Drug Enforcement<\/a> agency i would like to call something to your attention that has been called to my attention. I dont have a solution for it but i think it deserves the attention of the attorney general in the management. It is the issue of Prescription Drug<\/a> abuse and the relationship between the dea and the wholesalers or pharmacies who distribute controlled substances. This is what seems to be the problem dea requires wholesalers to report suspicious orders. Fees would be orders for local drugstores. It restricts how these orders could be filled if they are flagged as suspicious. There is no guidance for what is a suspicious order. There is a risk when the law is too vague. Someone is out of luck. The other risk is there is an adversarial relationship over the issue. My request is this, would you please take a look at the words suspicious orders and the relationship between the dea and wholesalers and see if there needs to be Additional Guidance<\/a> so we dont have an adversary adversarial relationship between people who should be in a partnership to make sure that controlled substances are not sent to the wrong people. Loretta lynch certainly senator. I can commit to that. I echo your concern that in a desire to protect people, we may be inhibiting the ability of people who need pain medication to obtain it. That is something i will undertake to review. Senator alexander thank you very much. Tennessee is third in the nation in math lab seizures. Its a big problem, especially in rural areas. Because the demand for enforcement exceeds the funding, our state developed a Central Storage<\/a> container program. They found a way to clean up meth labs for 500 per lab and instead of 2500 per lab. That is progress. We were pleased to see the budget request of 4 million more for clean up this year. We were disappointed that the department decided not to include money for the competitive Grant Program<\/a>. Given that the meth epidemic is one of the most urgent drug problems that we face in rural areas, what was the thinking as it affects Rural Communities<\/a> with less resources and not expanding or continuing the competitive Grant Program<\/a>ming . Loretta lynch my understanding of that program is the funding that exists is to your funding and there was not a need to request funding for this year because the grants as enacted last year would cover this fiscal year. It is not a desire to end or diminish the program. The solicitation for the that fiscal year will be released soon. I regret the apparent that the department may have back from that. It is because we have twoyear funding and we will come back in the next fiscal year to request additional senator alexander thank you for the explanation. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Senator senator murphy congratulations on your confirmation. I had a few broader questions. I wanted to begin with a specific question to the northeast region and to connecticut. We have had a womens correctional facility in dan barry, connecticut. In july, it was announced to be closed. That would be the only facility for women in the northeast. We had a number positive discussions with the doj and the bureau of prisons and they reversed that decision understanding it would be detrimental to women who are incarcerated in the northeast to be transported thousands of miles to other facilities. The solution was to build a new facility for women in dan barry. It was to be completed by this month. I wanted to ask you if you had an update on progress of the construction of that new facility and whether we can expect construction to be completed as soon as practically possible so we can transition these women who are in places like brooklyn, philadelphia back to a more suitable facility . Loretta lynch i share your concern over that important issue. When i began my career in the early 90s, it was not a total womens facility and most women who were prosecuted in the federal system ultimately were housed in west virginia. The facility was fine, but for women from the northeast, it presented a negative impact on their ability to stay connected with their families and it harmed their relationships with their children. Those of the things we seek to avoid. Having it in the northeast has been a positive step for all of us who work in that area. My understanding is the Environmental Impact<\/a> studies were completed recently and there are additional matters, i believe there is pricing materials being resolve this month. I am told by my team that construction should begin this summer. I do not have an anticipated completion date for you. I regret to say that im hesitant to offer one, having seen government Construction Projects<\/a> in my day. But i am told construction should begin this summer. I share your concern and view that it is an important Law Enforcement<\/a> resource. Sen. Murphy i look forward to talking with you about it. As we move towards the construction schedule. Again, this is really a development of a positive series of conversations that are positive. I thank the bureau of prisons for considering the impact of shuttling women prisoners to the far reaches of the northeast. One other query, i represent newtown, connecticut. Sandy hook, a community that is still grieving and dealing with the ripples of trauma exist there. I understand the reality of this place, we are not likely to get a bill extending background checks though 90 of americans support the notion that people should have to prove they are not a criminal before they buy a gun. As senator shelby noted, the atf position is open. A very important position for the enforcement of existing laws. And the existing background checks system can be made much better to make sure that all the data is uploaded into it and making sure that the information is distributed. 100,000 individuals are prohibited from buying guns each year. The background checks work. I would just ask for your commitment to work with us to make sure that the team has the resources they need to carry out existing laws and the commitment to work as your predecessor did to make sure our National Background<\/a> check system has the resources it needs. Loretta lynch certainly, senator. I am committed to that important goal of strengthening the atf as well as making sure that the processes in the existing systems are as efficient as possible. That is how we protect our citizens. Sen. Murkowski i want to focus on tribal Law Enforcement<\/a>. This is important in my state. We had an opportunity to discuss it in your preconfirmation meeting that we had. I know you had a conversation with the natives. They run the gamut, everything from the absence of fulltime Law Enforcement<\/a> officers in some villages, inadequate resources devoted to restorative justice. We have a Tribal Court System<\/a> that is struggling because it is in an embryonic stage. We have human trafficking, the heroine issue that you have heard discussed here. They are not limited to the cities, they are out in our villages. I know that you have got a lot on your plate and its clear from the discussion here this morning, i would like your commitment that you will work with me and the Alaska Federation<\/a> of natives to really be involved with some of these challenges that we are facing as it relates to rural justice in our native areas. I have been asked by them for an opportunity to sit with you and some of the native leadership to discuss some of the issues that are so very troubling it to us right now. So very troubling to us right now. I would like your commitment that we can have that meeting and very quickly your observations based on your conversations with not only me bust. Ms. Kitka about the issues in alaska. Loretta lynch i would welcome such a meeting. I think the commitment that the doj and our nation have made to Indian Country<\/a> over the last several years has shown great promise, but it must be sustained and maintained and improved upon it. We have several requests in the budget that go directly to the issues of tribal justice could tribal justice the office of , violence against women, for example. We are asking for an increase of 100 million, or that will go for tribal grants. 20 million will go to the crime victims program, 5 million would go to the violence against women jurisdiction program. As i know you are well aware we , recently had Great Success<\/a> in enabling courts to deal with offenders who commit violence against women and children on it on native land when the offenders are nonnatives. It has been tremendously helpful to be given that jurisdiction to the tribal courts. We are also asking for money to address environmental problems as well as aint hating current funding current petitions. I think this commandment must be maintained and expanded. Otherwise we do risk sliding , backwards. With all of the issues faced by tribal lands, we discussed with alaska having such a land mass and dealing with the Law Enforcement<\/a> challenges there, we have to set in place systems that will work, but can be maintained. Senator murkowski i look forward to those conversations with you and your team. On the issue of heroin, we have issues. You have heard it said several times, but i will reiterate, in our very remote rural areas, our islands, areas not accessible by road, we are seeing the impact of heroin, whether it is in killing him, whether it is in kodiak. We have mass issues in kodiak. Lawenforcement is focusing on that. They are not able to focus on some of the smaller villages that are out there. You mentioned the Heroin Task Force<\/a> that is in place, i would ask that you not forget the smaller communities where we see an addiction and a devastation taking our communities, wiping them out. It is a frightening thought that the resources may be there and available for the cities, that smaller communities, we are losing it young people. Losing few young people. It can be so significant to the health and morale and safety. I would ask that you work with us. I have other questions i would like submitted for the record. Most specifically with the codification of the brady obligation and statute. I would like further followup on that. Senator last year, we had the victims of child abuse act we reauthorized both programs. Childrens Advocacy Centers<\/a> funded do interviews. They are respectful of the delicate needs of childhood victims of abuse. I was disappointed to see the budget only ask for half of the money to keep these programs. 11 million out of the 20 million authorization. Is been your experience with childrens advocacy programs . Loretta lynch senator, my experience has been based primarily with my experience as a u. S. Attorney. We found the childrens Advocacy Centers<\/a> to be extremely powerful. It has been in dealing with children who may be related to victims of human trafficking. That has been a huge problem in new york. I look forward to learning more about those. It is a program i feel is extremely important. The overall budget request, our hope is that the programs we offer will in fact help provide a valuable safety net for those children in need. Senator i think these programs are under resources. The Violence Reduction<\/a> network is an Effective Program<\/a> for cities like my hometown of wilmington to address Violent Crime<\/a> and connect Law Enforcement<\/a> with resources. I just want to thank the Hardworking Team<\/a> that is led by john skinner. I hope you can commit to the program being maintained and support with necessary resources. It can service a valuable resource for communities that have seen dramatic increases in Violent Crime<\/a>. Loretta lynch i supported wholeheartedly. This has been one of the flagship cities in this. This came upon you. Wilmington has been an excellent model for the cooperation between the Police Department<\/a> and the fbi. My understanding is we have identified cities to be in the program. We think its an area we can provide assistance. Beyond just that, we have other resources for Violent Crime<\/a> in our cities. It may not be in such extreme measures. Senator id look forward to that as we know, we have seen a strained relationships with the Law Enforcement<\/a> and communities in cities across the nation. Most recently in baltimore, this happens in many other places. I am interested in the Collaborative Reform Initiative<\/a> in baltimore and what is on the table for the project and how it will be sustained and whether recent events have affected the timeline. Loretta lynch with respect to baltimore, the collaborative reform affect was started last fall at the request of the baltimore Police Department<\/a> and our cop service office. Weve been very active in working with the police and the community to work on ways to improve the east. As we discussed earlier today and throughout my most recent visit to baltimore, events have made us cognizant of concerns that both the city, the police and the committee have about the efficacy of collaborative reform process. We are listening to all of those voices and we are considering the best way as we move forward to help the baltimore Police Department<\/a>. Its important that collaborative reform has been a successful tool throughout the country. It provides Technical Assistance<\/a> and training to Police Department<\/a>s around the country we connect them with other Police Department<\/a>s who have themselves either been through the process or have positive practices. We try to make it a peer to peer relationship in terms of training. Its important. As you will note, our budget requests an increase of timely and dollars to support those reforms. Senator i will submit a question for the record. I would look forward to hearing what doj will be doing to provide relief to those convicted on the strength of inaccurate testimony. Loretta lynch that is an ongoing process and we are committed to working on that issue. Senator boozman i apologize for running back and forth. There are two things important to arkansas. We want to reauthorized the child nutrition program. We have a subcommittee going on in that regard. Both of those things go together. It all flows together. In the smart Crime Initiative<\/a>, and a you talked about how important that is. You request to a 47 million for resources on reducing impacts of the criminal Justice System<\/a> on committees. My understanding is im hearing from attorney generals throughout the country that the reality is there seems to be a directive coming down the terrorism and cybercrime is number one. They are the number one things that they are devoting resources to. And you talk a little bit about that . I know that is so important, yet we have so many communities experiencing Violent Crime<\/a>. Loretta lynch thank you for the opportunity to address that issue. National security and cybercrime are important. They represent not only ongoing threats to put safety and to citizens but new and emerging threats. Our budget does ask for funding for that. I will reiterate the departments commitment and my own commitment to the issue of a Violent Crime<\/a>. It has not wavered. As a former u. S. Attorney, we need to recognize that every prosecutor knows best the crime problems of their area. What we try to do in the department as i look at policies and interact with not just people here in washington but also in the field is to maintain the flexibility that allows u. S. Attorneys working in conjunction with their state and local counterpoints to identify the crime problems in their area and focus resources on them. My former office in new york has both a strong National Security<\/a> practice. It is my goal to give my prosecutors the flexibility they need to deploy their resources to best address the crime problems at hand. With respect to Violent Crime<\/a>, our strategies for several years have been focused on three main issues, Law Enforcement<\/a>, is at the core of that. We are looking at prevention as well as reentry programs. It has been gratifying to see those issues dealt with. You talked about food service program, that is one that impacts into the crime rate of an area because it impacts the poverty rate of an area and the health of children and the opportunities that they have. It is holistic. I assure you that there is not an overemphasis on one type of priority over others. If the u. S. Attorney feels that the largest problem in their area is Violent Crime<\/a>, we have a number of ways in which we deal with that. We will concentrate resources for them. We will provide assistance from other offices. I have in the past detailed attorneys from my office to others. You will find a strong commitment to Violent Crime<\/a> enforcement within the department. Sen. Boozman another huge issue throughout the country is heroine. There are reports of it crippling it. Can you talk a little bit about addressing that problem . The drug courts are so important. For the first time, youve got something in your budget for that. Can you talk a little bit about that . Are you an advocate . If there is a solution, that is one of the key components. Loretta lynch drug courts have been a solution. We are also focused on expanding our network of veterans drug courts because what we see is our veterans are returning with a number of problems that the criminal Justice System<\/a> may not be the best way to treat them. We are trying to expand opportunities to provide treatment as well as Crime Prevention<\/a> for our veterans as well as other low level drug offenders. In my former district, we have a strong Pretrial Diversion Program<\/a> as well as an opportunity program. If we try to pair those with reentry programs also. That is a very important tool. It has been the states who have been showing us how effective the drug courts can be in reducing crime. The real goal is to make productive members of society and of those individuals we might have incarcerated for way too long. Senator i know the hour is late. I have a few comments. I want to associate myself with the remarks of senator leahy. The prison population, your appropriations for prisons is 7 billion. Its a significant amount of money. It constitutes one third of your approach is ans. I would hope that there is bipartisan effort in this area in terms of looking at what we need to do to reduce the prison population safely. We have an excellent facility in maryland and our concerns would be Public Safety<\/a>. And a safety for the correction officers. There are significant challenges with overcrowding. Third, what are the issues for prisoners who are really old or really sick . How can we do in evaluation of who is in prison and should they be in prison . I would hope as you begin your term here, you look at those who are of significant age or are significantly ill that pose no threat to the public. I look forward to your recommendations. Heroine has come up from almost all of the sun both sides of the aisle. My republican governor and our democratic delegation, we are united in wanting to deal with this. Your task force supported by senator shelby, it would be across the board involving the department of education, the department of Human Services<\/a> Homeland Security<\/a>. Is that the nature of the task force or is it internal to the just met . Loretta lynch the task force had its first meeting last week and i have not been briefed yet. I will confirm the level of purchase a patient to you. Even if it is focused on the department of justice, that does not preclude us from reaching across the street to those agencies and pulling them into the debate. We think this is a big issue. Sen. Mikulski i want to make a point about juvenile justice. There are several Grant Programs<\/a> in this area. I would hope in days ahead we could see what you feel would be the effective juvenile Justice Programs<\/a> that we could either bring Additional Resources<\/a> in or up before or apply for these grants. Speaking for the delegation and for the leadership of our city we see this is a situation in which there could be an opportunity to really do something very dramatic and significant in terms of our young people. For those who are on track, we want for them to stay there. For those in need to get back on track, help them get there. For those who constitute significant risk to the community, we do the right intervention. We hope this is an ongoing conversation and youre always welcome in our home town and we appreciate the availability and the professionalism of your staff. Sen. Collins i want to associate myself with the remarks from the senator of arkansas with the value of drug courts and the veterans court. I have seen firsthand in maine the difference these courts can make in helping people straighten out their lives. They can in void imprisonment and really change the direction of their life. I know that doesnt happen in every case. I have to believe that these are Cost Effective<\/a> and thats why i am disappointed that the administrations budget cuts 5 million from the Drug Court Program<\/a> compared to last year when it was funded at 41 million. It cuts 1 million from the veteran treatment court. I hope our subcommittee will take a look at that. I wonder if the department has done any sort of costbenefit analysis. This is the case where i think we are the penny wise and pound foolish. Loretta lynch i am not aware of any analysis, but i will ask if that was done. I dont know the basis for that particular allocation of funding. I share your commitment to the efficacy of drug courts and the veterans treatment courts. I have seen them literally change lives. Sen. Collins i have hired someone who went through the Drug Court Program<\/a> successfully. I was somewhat apprehensive. She turned out to be a wonderful employee and i wanted to give her a chance. But for drug court, her life would have gone in a very different direction. I have also spoken of the Graduation Ceremony<\/a> for a drug court in portland. It was really inspiring to see largely younger people being reunited with their significant others or spouses and children. It to know that they were committed to turning their lives around i have also heard of cases that were not successful but that is the beauty of the drug court. I think this is something that deserves our support. Loretta lynch i agree. Sen. Collins let me end with one Successful Program<\/a> in my state that also unfortunately is cut severely in the budget. I realize you have not been on the job for very long and were not involved in formulating this budget. Its called the regional information sharing system. I hear repeatedly from Police Officers<\/a> and detectives and sheriffs and Law Enforcement<\/a> at all levels in maine about how essential the program is in their efforts to fight Violent Crime<\/a>, drug activity, human trafficking, and a host of other criminal enterprises. I want to give you a specific example. A detective in Franklin County<\/a> in our state told me recently about a fascinating case involving counterfeit silver dollars from china. He used the program to discover that the suspect was committing the crime throughout the state of maine. He was also able to determine whether the same crime was occurring in other states. What was it first just a one incident case became a statewide investigation with the help of the risk network and tools which were vital in a rural state like maine. That is why i am disappointed that the president s budget has slashed funding for this program. It is such an important tool for rural Law Enforcement<\/a> to use. I hope looking forward that you will take a look at programs that encourage that kind of collaboration at all levels of government. A local sheriff that has arrested someone can find that this person has been committing crimes not only his state, but also other states as well. It builds a stronger case. Loretta lynch i share your view that that is a great program. By understanding this mirrors. We feel the program is important. Sen. Collins we moved up the funding because it was so successful and had bipartisan support. The administration in its budget request went back to the previous level. I may be mistaken about that and i would welcome any additional information. Loretta lynch i would be happy to provide you additional information. Sen. Shelby thank you for being with us today. We look forward to working with you and make her the Justice Department<\/a> is properly funded. If there are no further questions here this afternoon, senators may submit additional questions for the record. We request that the doj response would be back in 30 days. The subcommittee stands in recess subject to the call of the chair the meeting is adjourned. Loretta lynch thank you, mr. Chairman. Bio and Contact Information<\/a> and twitter handles. Also district maps, a foldout map of capitol hill, and a look at congressional committees federal agencies and state governors. Order your copy today. It is 1395 it is 13. 95 plus shipping and handling. The Brookings Institution<\/a> will host a discussion on the future of iraq. Speakers include a former iraqi deputy Prime Minister<\/a> and the governor of an iraqi profit. That is live on cspan two. Later, a look at how oil prices have impacted hydraulic fracturing. Speakers will discuss how the energy is being used in the u. S. And the likelihood of other reasons in the world. That will be live in cspan beginning at 3 p. M. Eastern monday night on the communicators, at this years Consumer Electronics<\/a> show we met up with peter nowak, who says we are in a new phase of Human Development<\/a> and are likely to enhance the condition. Peter robots are an interesting one because in 2014 it was the year of robust angst. Not a day went by way didnt see some kind of story about how robots are stealing jobs from humans and we are all going to end up out of work. You hear stories about here is a robot that is a better bartender than humans, here is a robot that is a better waiter than humans. The point that gets missed a lot is every prior revolution or advance in automation has resulted in better jobs or humans. We are really worried about robust taking our jobs and we have a hard time imagining what we are going to be doing not just 200 years from now but even 1000 years from now. History has shown we will figure out a way to combine with robots to create new jobs that were previously unimaginable. Remarkable partnerships iconic women, their stories and first ladies their stories in first ladies the book. Whoever could find out where he was staying, what she was wearing, what she looked like, who she was seeing, that was going to help sell papers. She takes over a Radio Station<\/a> and starts running at. She exerted enormous influence because she would move a mountain to make sure her husband was protected. Published by Public Affairs<\/a> looking inside the personal life of every first lady in american history, based on original interviews him cspans are slaty series. Learn about their lives, ambitions, families, and unique partnerships with president ial spouses. President ial historians on the lives of 45 iconic american women. Filled with lively stories of fascinating women who survived the scrutiny of the white house sometimes at a great personal cost, often changing history. It is an illuminating entertaining, and aspiring read. Now available as a hardcover for an ebook. Here on cspan, newsmakers as next with democratic congressman levin of michigan. With president ial candidates marco rubio, ted cruz. On monday at q a, our conversation with Kate Andersen<\/a> brower, discussing her residence in the white house. Host this week on newsmakers, we are joined from detroit by congressman sander levin, democrat of michigan. The top democrat on the ways and means committee, which oversees trade, health care, taxes, and other issues. In studio, Vicki Needham<\/a> of the hill newspaper. Along with emma dumain of roll call. Vicki, go ahead with the first question. Vicki needham good morning, congressman. Congressman sander levin hey, good morning. Nice to be with you. Vicki needham so, obviously right now, congress is working on trade promotion authority. Could you explain what that is . What that means or the trade agreements . And why you are opposed to that right now . Congressman sander levin well it is fasttrack. What it means is that the negotiating is being done. And all we have at the end is yes or no. We cant do any amendment. So that makes it all the more important that we get tpp right before we fasttrack it. And we dont lose our leverage. That is what this is really all about. I am in favor of expanded trade. I would like to see a tpp i could support, but right now, i cannot because that is why tpa is having trouble because tpp is not on the right track. Host congressman, before we go too far, tpp, tpa, you have to explain those outside of washington. Congressman sander levin tpa, trade promotion authority, that is what is called fasttrack. 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