New Jersey Assembly Bill AR193

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/28/23
• Passed: 6/30/23

Caption

Condemns House of Representatives proposals to defund FBI and DOJ.

Impact

The resolution asserts that defunding these agencies would severely impact public safety, risking the wellbeing of citizens in the United States by reducing the resources necessary for fighting against crime and managing domestic and foreign threats. By emphasizing the independent operations of the FBI and DOJ, it advocates against using these agencies as political tools for partisan gains, stating that their primary duty is to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 193 (AR193) aims to strongly condemn the proposals made by the United States House of Representatives that seek to defund the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The resolution emphasizes the crucial role these agencies play in maintaining law enforcement and national security for over 114 years. Specifically, it highlights their responsibilities in combating various forms of crime, including terrorism, cybercrime, and public corruption, thus serving as a vital safeguard for the American populace.

Contention

Notable points of contention surround the motivations behind the proposals to defund the FBI and DOJ, which are perceived by the sponsors of AR193 as politically motivated attacks against institutions fundamentally tied to American values and security. The resolution frames any effort to reduce the funding of these federal agencies as reckless, suggesting that it undermines the stability of law enforcement and creates vulnerabilities to criminal and terrorist activities. The debate pivots around the balance of power and independence of federal agencies versus political maneuvering by congressional representatives.