Bush Administration Requesting Money To Combat Violent Crime In U.S. Cities

WASHINGTON D.C. (AP) — The Bush administration plans to ask for $200 million in next year’s budget to combat violent crime in U.S. cities.

Attorney General Michael Mukasey is set to announce the request Thursday while speaking at the annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

In prepared remarks, Mukasey says the initiative will help communities address their specific violent crime challenges, especially when multiple jurisdictions are involved. He says with more coordination, needless duplication can be avoided and resources can be freed up to help more cities.

The money would largely target gang and gun violence. It aims to keep crime down after two years of increases.