View from the Hill.

• Author: Bunn, Nelson O., Jr.
• Position: National District Attorneys Association conference

The last several MONTHS have been extremely busy for NDAA as it relates to policy and legislative work both on and off the Hill. From issues involving forensic science to electronic communications and human trafficking, NDAA has been very active representing the voice of prosecutors across the country NDAA also held its annual Capital Conference Feb. 9-11, 2015, in Washington, D.C. and more than 100 prosecutors attended. Hill meetings were widely attended, and the congressional reception included remarks by Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and several other congressmen in attendance.

Below is a snapshot of the work accomplished on behalf of our members. This work is outlined by issue area for convenience. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me should there be any questions or anything I can do to help on a policy or legislative matter. NDAA's 2015 Policy and Legislative Priorities document is also available and can be obtained by contacting me at nelsonbunn@ndaa.org or at 703-519-1666.

Appropriations

* Government Funding. The president signed into law an omnibus bill providing funding for all agencies of the federal government, except for the Department of Homeland Security, through fiscal year 2015.

* John R. Justice. Working group members, including NDAA, submitted a proposal to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to restructure the JRJ program from a formula program to a competitive one, which would allow for higher base level funding for those states awarded a grant, while still maintaining the 50/50 split between prosecutors and defense attorneys. NDAA is also engaged in pushing for additional funding for the JRJ program in the fiscal year 2016 appropriations cycle.

* Appropriators. NDAA met with staff for the chairmen and ranking members of the Senate and House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) subcommittees to discuss NDAA funding priorities for the fiscal year 2016 cycle. NDAA has also met with staff from other offices of members on the appropriations committees.

* Byrne Competitive Grant Program. NDAA has been working with offices on the Hill to push for funding for the Byrne Competitive Grant program, which funds field-initiated ideas. This program was eliminated in the fiscal year 2015 cycle.

Drug Policy

* ONDCP Director. NDAA submitted a letter in support of Michael Botticelli to be the permanent director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Mr. Botticelli was then...