[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 17, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1602-S1603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                         Protect and Serve Act

  Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise in support of the brave, hard-
working men and women who serve as law enforcement officers in our 
communities across the Nation. Men and women in law enforcement risk 
life and limb every day to protect public safety and preserve the rule 
of law. They truly are American heroes.
  In recognition of their remarkable service and sacrifice, I am 
reintroducing the Protect and Serve Act. I hope every Senator agrees we 
must do everything we can to support the men and women in blue. I also 
call on my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation. It is my 
hope that this legislation will unite us on a bipartisan basis to 
support those heroes who keep us safe.
  I can think of no better example of why we need this legislation than 
the events of January 6, right here in this Chamber and across the 
Capitol. While a ruthless, anarchist mob sought to disrupt and destroy 
our democracy, Capitol Police officers bravely kept us safe from harm 
while they were being viciously attacked by the violent mob. Many of my 
colleagues saw this firsthand while they were getting us into a safe 
position as the events unfolded that day.
  Because this attack occurred in DC, though, there are only limited 
laws in place to prosecute those who would assault a law enforcement 
officer. Under current law, a criminal who assaults a law enforcement 
officer with a deadly weapon or who inflicts bodily injury could 
receive anywhere from a fine to 20 years in prison. Under the Protect 
and Serve Act, these violent criminals will receive an additional 10 
years in prison if they assault an officer, and if they murder or 
kidnap a law enforcement officer, they could be given life sentences.
  This would apply not only to Federal law enforcement and Federal 
properties, but it could also be used to prosecute criminals at the 
State and local levels who target law enforcement officers. This 
Federal law would ensure

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that prosecutors have every tool available to punish those who attack 
the men and women in blue.
  Nationwide in 2020, 47 law enforcement officers were killed in the 
line of duty, and over 300 were shot. Three of those murdered officers 
were right in my home State of North Carolina. So far in 2021, 14 
officers have been killed in the line of duty, and over 50 have been 
shot. Countless others have been assaulted.
  The year 2020 saw the rise of radical ideas like abolishing the 
police, which fueled distrust and disdain for our brave men and women 
in blue. Even while Americans of all views are calling for transparency 
and accountability, the ideas of abolishing and defunding the police 
only serve to deepen the divide in our country and our communities.
  It is sad that Congress even needs to consider a bill to protect law 
enforcement officers. The heated rhetoric and the violent attacks on 
officers are having real world impacts beyond just the safety of our 
law enforcement community. Across the country, recruitments are down 
and retirements are up. We have cities having to increase funding for 
recruiting and finding people that will replace those who have left the 
profession or retired early. This is sad, but it is not surprising. Law 
enforcement officers put their lives at risk every single day. They 
leave their spouses and families every morning, and they don't know if 
they are going to come back.
  In 2018, before the antipolice rhetoric took hold, the House passed 
the legislation by an overwhelming vote of 382 to 35--the bill that I 
am reintroducing--including 220 Republicans and 162 Democrats. On the 
floor, every current Member of the House Democratic leadership voted in 
favor of this legislation, including Speaker Pelosi.
  This has been bipartisan legislation, and it should be bipartisan 
legislation today, which is why I call on all of my colleagues--Members 
of the Republican caucus and the Democratic caucus--to join us in 
support of this commonsense and needed legislation.
  Congress must pass the Protect and Serve Act right away and boldly 
say that there is no escape from justice for dangerous criminals who 
intentionally assault and kill our hard-working, dedicated law 
enforcement officers.
  I urge the American people: Call your Senators. Ask them to support 
the measure. Tell them that you want this bill passed and our law 
enforcement officers protected. Don't be silent. Help me fight for the 
men and women in blue, because they are counting on us. And along the 
way, when you see a law enforcement officer, thank them for their 
service and let them know Members of Congress are fighting for them.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.