[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OF OHIO'S 13th CONGRESSIONAL 
                                DISTRICT

  (Mrs. Sykes of Ohio was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the courage, 
dedication, and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers serving in 
Ohio's 13th Congressional District and to honor those who have lost 
their lives in the line of duty.
  Being a police officer is never easy. It is one of the most difficult 
and dangerous jobs in our society. In recent years, it has only gotten 
harder.
  As I have met with law enforcement agencies across northeast Ohio, I 
continue to hear the same concerns: officers are overworked, stretched 
thin, and in need of better support and training to meet the demands of 
the job and the needs of our community and those that they are sworn to 
protect and serve.
  That is why since coming to Congress, I have made it a priority to 
fight for legislation that gives officers the tools that they need to 
do their jobs, while also demanding accountability on behalf of the 
communities they serve.
  After the horrific shooting of Jayland Walker in Akron, I spoke with 
members of our community and law enforcement. I then introduced the Law 
Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act.
  This bipartisan legislation ensures law enforcement officers have the 
proper de-escalation training needed to handle complex situations that 
they often face in the field because, no matter what, we all want 
everyone to make it home safely at the end of the night.

                              {time}  1045

  This year, after the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, I 
introduced the COOL IT Act, which would require similar de-escalation 
training for ICE officers. We cannot ignore these tragedies. We must 
respond with solutions that promote safety, accountability, and, most 
importantly, trust. That is exactly what this legislation is designed 
to do.
  These bills support law enforcement by helping departments build 
trust with the communities they serve, and this makes our community 
safer for both the officers and the public. Again, these are people 
whom they are sworn to protect and serve.
  Certainly, these are not bills that will solve every single problem, 
but it is a piece of the puzzle ensuring safety and accountability. In 
fact, the law enforcement scenario-based training for Safety and De-
Escalation Act is supported by the National Fraternal Order of Police 
and the Akron NAACP because we all share the goal of making sure 
everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.
  Further, I introduced the Supporting Women with Career Opportunities 
in Policing Services Act. This is legislation to establish a Federal 
task force focused on improving recruitment, retention, and advancement 
of opportunities for women in law enforcement. This bill takes an 
important step toward building a stronger, more inclusive public safety 
workforce by helping departments recruit talented women, support them 
throughout their careers, and create pathways into leadership. When law 
enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve, our 
communities are stronger and safer.
  When I came to Congress, I promised to put the people of Ohio's 13th 
Congressional District first. That means supporting our officers, 
rebuilding trust and public safety, and working across the aisle to get 
things done. That is exactly what I have worked to do and exactly what 
I will continue to do.

                          ____________________