The "Restoring Law and Order Act of 2025" establishes the "Make America Safe Again Grant Program," allocating funds to state, local, and tribal entities for law enforcement, crime prevention, and combating specific criminal activities.
Marsha Blackburn
Senator
TN
The "Restoring Law and Order Act of 2025" establishes the "Make America Safe Again Grant Program," allocating funds to state, local, and tribal entities for law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives. These initiatives include hiring officers, combating vehicle theft and drug-related crimes, prioritizing strict sentences for repeat offenders, and detaining/deporting criminal illegal aliens. The program is funded by reallocating existing funds and rescinding unobligated balances, with the Attorney General overseeing grant distribution and compliance.
Bill Proposes $500M 'Make America Safe Again' Grant Program to Fund Police, Target Vehicle Theft, Deport Criminal Aliens
This legislation, the Restoring Law and Order Act of 2025, aims to establish a new federal grant program called the "Make America Safe Again Grant Program." It would allocate $500 million for fiscal year 2026, available through September 2030, managed by the Attorney General. The funds are intended for state, local, and tribal governments specifically authorized to handle criminal law matters. The core purpose is to bolster various law enforcement activities across the country.
More Cops, Faster Cases?
So, what can this grant money actually be used for? The bill lists several key areas. A big one is hiring and retaining law enforcement officers, even allowing for bonuses to attract or keep personnel. Think more officers on patrol or specialized units in your local department. Another focus is tackling specific crimes head-on, like vehicle thefts (including carjackings), drug offenses involving substances like fentanyl, and interstate child trafficking. Funds can also go towards eliminating investigation backlogs – potentially speeding up how quickly evidence like DNA samples gets processed. Imagine a situation where a backlog delays identifying a suspect; this funding aims to prevent that. Grant recipients will need to keep detailed records, as the Attorney General can audit how the money is used.
Priorities and Potential Impacts
The bill doesn't just provide money; it signals priorities. It encourages targeting repeat offenders, including juveniles, with stringent sentences. It also promotes using tools like bail and pretrial detention to keep individuals deemed dangerous off the streets pending trial. Furthermore, a specific provision allows funds to be used for detaining and deporting non-citizens ('illegal aliens' in the bill's text) who have committed criminal offenses in the U.S. This could mean more resources channeled towards immigration enforcement actions tied to criminal convictions. For instance, local law enforcement receiving these funds might coordinate more closely with federal immigration authorities.
Shifting Funds, Setting Rules
Where does the $500 million come from? The bill specifies two sources. First, it rescinds (takes back) unspent money from a specific provision in a previous major reconciliation act (section 10301(1)(A)(ii) of S. Con. Res. 14). Second, it explicitly mandates that the Attorney General redirect funds previously appropriated for diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI) initiatives under Executive Order 14035 to support this new grant program instead. This shift means resources intended for DEI work within the justice system would now fund these law enforcement activities. The Attorney General is also given the authority to set up the rules and guidelines for applying for and managing these grants, which will shape how the program operates in practice.