Legislation aimed at attacking crime through preventive measures is attracting broad bipartisan support in the House, reports The Hill, a newspaper covering Congress. The Youth Promise Act, introduced by Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Mike Castle (R-DE), supports evidence- and research-based crime-prevention programs and would authorize $1.2 billion over five years to bring together law enforcement, schools and community organizations in an effort to prevent gang crime.
The bill's focus on prevention rather than punishment is driving much GOP backing, with Republicans noting the potential for savings by avoiding some costly incarcerations. Rival legislation sponsored by Rep. Adam Schiff and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, both California Democrats, has attracted less support. Some observers believe the crime issue has become less partisan. “There is a new atmosphere of bipartisan collaboration on criminal justice reform. People on both sides of the aisle have shown an interest in beginning to work together to find principled, non-partisan solutions,” said Brian Walsh of the Heritage Foundation.