Federal criminal justice grant programs — which fund things like police equipment, victim services, and anti-drug efforts — currently define "State" in a way that limits how the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa can participate. This bill simplifies that definition so these two U.S. territories have the same access to federal criminal justice funding as other territories like Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's a technical fix, but one that could mean more resources for communities in the Pacific.
Congressional Summary
Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa Criminal Justice Support ActThis bill increases the amount of state formula grant funds allocated to American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program.Currently, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands are considered to be one state, and they split one JAG allocation with 67% going to American Samoa and 33% going to the Northern Mariana Islands.This bill considers American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands to be separate states, which entitles each of them to a full JAG allocation.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-09-30
- Date Added
- 2026-04-06