[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 21, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H3769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMOVING QUALIFIED IMMUNITY IS MISGUIDED

  (Ms. TENNEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I was in my mom's home county of Madison 
County last week to announce the details of my new bill, the Local Law 
Enforcement Protection Act, H.R. 4500.
  I made this announcement standing alongside the respected men and 
women of our local law enforcement departments across the region, 
including our great Madison County sheriff, Todd Hood.
  My bill protects those who protect our communities every day by 
prohibiting States and localities that roll back or eliminate qualified 
immunity from receiving certain Federal grants.
  Law enforcement officers risk their lives to defend our homes, 
families, and our neighborhoods. They face real danger. In 2020, 264 
police officers were killed tragically in the line of duty. As of July 
2021, that number already stands at 148.
  As the defund the police movement goes mainstream in liberal cities 
and State capitals, and failed progressive policies like bail reform 
make our streets less safe, it is more important now than ever to stand 
with our law enforcement officers.
  Police should always be accountable to the communities they serve, 
but they should never be subjected to unfair attacks or harassment 
simply for doing their job. Efforts to remove qualified immunity are 
misguided and ultimately hurt honorable officers who serve with 
integrity.
  That is why I introduced this legislation, and I urge my colleagues 
to support this commonsense bill.

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