The speculation is beginning about what federal programs may be on the chopping block when President Donald Trump presents his first budget proposal to Congress this spring. At the Justice Department, that could include eliminating the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and Violence Against Women (VAWA) grants, and for reducing the Civil Rights and Environment and Natural Resources divisions, reports The Hill. COPS and VAWA were mentioned as targets by the Heritage Foundation, which has taken part in the Trump transition.
The Hill says Trump transition staffers have told career federal budget officials of “dramatic” plans “for shrinking the federal bureaucracy.” Many recommended cuts appeared in a 2017 budget adopted by the conservative Republican Study Committee, which represents a majority of House Republicans. The committee’s plan would reduce federal spending by $8.6 trillion over the next decade. A preliminary budget proposal may be issued during the first 45 days of Trump’s term. In reality, COPS and VAWA may be unlikely targets for elimination because they are supported by police organizations and women’s groups. Trump vowed during his campaign to support police interests, and he was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police.