[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 9, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                            Law Enforcement

  Mr. President, as sad as another example of a senseless killing of a 
law enforcement officer is, I want to take a moment to discuss on this 
floor Congress's role in supporting law enforcement.
  In 2023, 59 officers were killed by criminals, 379 officers were shot 
in the line of duty, which the National Fraternal Order of Police 
justly calls a stain on our society.
  Unfortunately, this outcome should not be surprising. We have 
shamefully seen a rise in anti-law enforcement sentiment from fringe 
voices who espouse radical concepts like abolishing the police. If you 
go on an ActBlue website today, ladies and gentlemen, and you query 
``all cops are bastards; give now,'' you will go to a website where 
they are encouraging you to make a 13.12-mile run--``1-3-1-2'' 
translates alphabetically to A-C-A-B, which translates to ``all cops 
are bastards.'' There is a website out there where you can give money 
and run and support this effort today.
  It is sickening to hear this kind of hatred toward law enforcement, 
not because it is wrong and unfair but because it is flatout dangerous. 
It has fueled distrust and disdain for our brave men and women in blue. 
This, in turn, has made their job to protect and serve even harder and 
more dangerous.
  We must do better. We must protect law enforcement. That is the 
reason I introduced the Protect and Serve Act last Congress. It makes 
it a Federal crime to knowingly or attempt to cause bodily injury to a 
law enforcement officer. I plan to reintroduce this bill this Congress, 
and I hope to do so with strong bipartisan support.
  Congress must also enhance penalties for criminals who intentionally 
murder law enforcement. That is why I will soon be introducing 
legislation that would create a criminal penalty for the murder of a 
local, State, or Federal law enforcement officer, punishable with a 
death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
  I urge all Americans to call your Senators and Congressmen. Tell them 
that you want to protect law enforcement officers by enhancing the 
penalties for criminals who target them.
  The men and women in blue are heroes. We have to have their backs. 
Like Officer Nix, I want every single officer to know I am going to do 
everything I can to protect them.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas.