Congress' recent decision to slash funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants from $520 million annually to $170 million will severely curtail action by local anti-drug law enforcement teams battling drug cartels, county sheriffs say.

The Associated Press reported Feb. 24 that sheriffs from Oregon to Kentucky say the cuts will put a big crimp in efforts to fight trafficking. Josephine County (Ore.) Sheriff Gil Gilbertson said his office has withdrawn from the Josephine Interagency Narcotics Team because of a lack of funding.

Congress cut the program at the recommendation of the Bush administration, which wanted the Byrne grants eliminated entirely.

"If we don't get some funding back we'll be in deep trouble when it comes to drug enforcement," said Iowa drug enforcement chief Gary Kendall, who said the interagency drug teams generate 85 percent of new drug cases in his state.

The Byrne program has been beset by allegations of corruption, particularly in Texas, and local government leaders say they can't afford to make up for the shortfall in federal funding.