[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 88 (Tuesday, May 21, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND CONDEMNING 
            EFFORTS TO DEFUND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2024

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on H. Con. Res. 106, 
``Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning 
efforts to defend local law enforcement agencies.''
  It is unfortunate that H. Con. Res. 106 is simply another 
hypocritical, partisan attack cloaked behind a message honoring local 
law enforcement during National Police Week.
  During a time when we are coming together and supporting law 
enforcement, my Republican colleagues continue to offer divisive 
political talking points and largely meaningless bills that will 
neither protect law enforcement nor enhance public safety.
  It is further disappointing and disingenuous that Republicans have 
consistently blamed the rise in violent crime on Democrats and have 
attempted to pin the ``defund the police'' rhetoric on Democrats--
labeling Democrats as the party of ``defund the police.''
  This bill put forth by Republican colleagues, H. Con. Res. 106, 
endeavors to continue those efforts--repeating almost verbatim--
sentiments asserted in H. Con. Res. 40, which was introduced during 
National Police Week last year.
  Through the American Rescue Plan, Democrats have provided $350 
billion to the states that would allow our cities to keep law 
enforcement on the beat and communities safe from violence, the largest 
Federal investment in public safety in our history.
  Police departments used that funding to establish training 
facilities, hire more officers, and raise salaries.
  In the 117th Congress, House Democrats showed their support for law 
enforcement and the needs faced by departments across the country by 
passing priority policing bills--including:
  Extending death benefits to law enforcement officers with PTSD;
  Providing funding to law enforcement and other first responders for 
interacting with people with TBIs and PTSD;
  Authorizing $300 million in grants for law enforcement agencies with 
fewer than 125 officers;
  Making significant investments in de-escalation training; and
  Providing $100 million per year in grants to solve cold-case violent 
crimes--all over Republican objections.
  Sadly, however, this resolution is another missed opportunity to 
support and honor law enforcement officers across the country, without 
engaging in nonsensical and damaging partisanship.

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