Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently delivered an opening statement before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, discussing the Justice Department’s funding request for Fiscal Year 2025. Garland expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the Subcommittee, stating, "Thank you, Chair Shaheen, Ranking Member Moran, and distinguished Members of the Subcommittee, for the opportunity to discuss the Justice Department’s funding request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025."
Reflecting on the challenges faced during his tenure, Garland acknowledged the significant decrease in overall violent crime, including a notable decline in homicides. However, he emphasized, "there is no acceptable level of violent crime." Garland highlighted the important work carried out by the Department's employees, noting that they often put their lives at risk to protect the public.
Garland outlined the Department's budget request of $21 billion to support various agencies and divisions, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The resources are intended to combat illegal activities such as gun trafficking, drug cartels, and threats posed by foreign governments like Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea.
In addition to law enforcement efforts, Garland emphasized the Department's commitment to protecting civil rights and ensuring fair elections. He underscored the importance of safeguarding the right to vote, stating, "Protecting that right requires us to protect the citizens who we rely on to fairly administer our elections."
Garland concluded his statement by expressing gratitude to the Department's employees and requesting support for the President’s FY 2025 budget request. He stated, "I respectfully ask for your support for the President’s FY 2025 budget request so that we can continue our work on behalf of the American people."