The ALVIN Act prohibits federal funding to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, rescinding unspent funds and requiring the recovery of funds spent since January 1, 2022.
Andy Biggs
Representative
AZ-5
The "Accountability for Lawless Violence In our Neighborhoods Act" or the "ALVIN Act" prohibits federal funding to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. It rescinds unspent funds and requires the Attorney General to recover funds spent by the office after January 1, 2022.
Federal Funds Yanked from Manhattan DA Under New 'ALVIN Act': All Funds Since 2022 Must Be Returned
The "Accountability for Lawless Violence In our Neighborhoods Act," or "ALVIN Act," just dropped, and it's going straight for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office's wallet. This bill isn't playing around – it completely blocks any federal funding from heading to the Manhattan DA.
Cash Cut-Off
This bill doesn't just stop future funding; it's reaching back in time. Any federal money the Manhattan DA's office hasn't spent yet? Gone. And here's the kicker: the Attorney General is now tasked with clawing back every single dollar of federal funding the office has used since January 1, 2022 (SEC. 2). We're talking potentially millions in recovered funds, impacting everything from office supplies to salaries.
Real-World Rollout
Imagine a construction project that suddenly loses its funding mid-build – that's essentially what could happen to ongoing investigations and prosecutions in Manhattan. If the DA's office relies on federal grants for, say, a task force targeting organized crime or a program supporting victims of domestic violence, those initiatives could be instantly jeopardized. A paralegal working on a federally funded initiative, the cop on the street, or a social worker could potentially be impacted.
The Bigger Picture
This move raises some serious questions. While the bill's title talks about "accountability," the laser focus on one specific office makes you wonder about the real motives. Is this about responsible spending, or is it a way to punish a DA's office that might be making decisions some folks in Washington don't like? It sets a precedent – could other local law enforcement agencies be next on the chopping block if they don't toe a particular line? The ALVIN Act could impact how local law enforcement handles cases, particularly those involving federal cooperation or resources. It could also force tough choices about which programs and staff to cut, potentially impacting public safety in New York City.