Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that she is co-sponsoring comprehensive gang legislation that establishes new crimes and tougher federal penalties to deter and punish members of illegal street gangs. The “Gang Abatement and Prevention Act,” sponsored by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) provides more than $1 billion in funding for gang enforcement, prevention and intervention programs over five years.

“We must to give our communities and local law enforcement the tools they need to combat the growing influence of gangs and stem the surge of violent crime. This legislation is an important step towards meeting these goals,” said Senator Clinton.

The “Gang Abatement and Prevention Act of 2007” would help those on the front lines by adopting new criminal laws and tougher penalties against those who commit gang-related crimes, authorize funding for investigations, prosecutions and witness protection programs, and invest in successful community programs to prevent young people from joining gangs in the first place.