[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 84 (Thursday, May 18, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SUPPORTING LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

  (Mr. VASQUEZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our local law 
enforcement officers in New Mexico and across the country.
  These heroes in uniform keep our communities safe. That is why I 
voted in support of the POLICE Act because assaulting an officer is 
never acceptable--never.
  However, I have serious concerns about how this bill was written and 
how it can be interpreted. The vague language creates the risk of 
wrongfully criminalizing law-abiding people who are legally in this 
country.
  Let me be clear: Assault is never acceptable, especially when it 
comes to our officers of the peace and to our first responders.
  Our law enforcement put their lives on the line every single day to 
ensure our communities are safe. For that and so much more, they 
deserve our respect.
  To my constituents, I want them to know that I am committed to 
finding solutions to address our public safety issues with my partners 
across the aisle and to support local law enforcement.

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