By Congressman Tom Cole
Today marks the beginning of National Police Week. A tradition that began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed Joint Resolution 76 into law, this week now occurs annually as an opportunity for us, as Americans, to honor our brave law enforcement officers. So, first, I want to start by thanking our police officers who so selflessly put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe and honoring the officers who have been disabled or tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
In the halls of Congress, National Police Week means law enforcement officers from across the United States will travel to Washington, D.C. to attend memorials for their fallen brothers and sisters, participate in fun group events, and meet with Representatives and Senators to express their needs and what we can best do to support our men and women in blue. I, for one, can truly say I look forward to this week every year, as their presence serves as a reminder of their sacrifice.
Moreover, as the representative for so many law enforcement officers in Oklahoma’s Fourth District, I want to make this very clear: I back the Blue who keep this country safe. I stand with the officers who protect our streets and am not naive about the sacrifices they choose to make while knowing the dangers of the profession. I am for safety, order, and accountability and I will not defend the Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies that harm our communities. I respect those who put on the badge and stand bravely in the face of danger – and, this week, through the votes I plan to cast, I will prove just that.
House Republicans have several bills that will be brought to the House floor this week in honor of National Police Week. First, we will vote on H. Con. Res. 96, which reaffirms support for the law enforcement officers who protect us, honors the risk officers take and the families who stand behind them, and calls out the damage caused by the far-Left’s dangerous “defund the police” rhetoric. We also will vote on the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act. This legislation closes the loopholes that let radical, charitable bail funds operate with little oversight while communities carry the risk, ensuring that a radical organization’s political agenda never takes priority over the safety of American families. Lastly, we will vote on the Cashless Bail Reporting Act, which will require the Attorney General to publish a public list of places that allow certain serious violent and sexual criminals to be released without cash bail.
Additionally, I will always ensure to represent Tribal law enforcement in Congress as well. As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation myself, I know that predators prey on vulnerable children in Indian Country at alarming rates. Yet, Native American law enforcement faces obstacles and limitations when it comes to holding these criminals accountable. That’s why, earlier this year, I introduced the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act. By improving coordination and strengthening the partnership between the United States Marshal Service and Tribal law enforcement, my bill will make Native American communities safer and ultimately bring more criminals to justice. I am hopeful that this legislation will continue to advance through the legislative process, as it is critical that Tribal law enforcement are equipped with the resources they need as well.
So, in conclusion, I want to say thank you to those who put on the badge. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your bravery. America would not be the nation we know and love without you.
