Transitioning from local law enforcement to Congress, our core mission remains consistent: to protect Americans and uphold the Constitution.
This National Police Week serves as a reminder of the commitment we’ve both made to safeguard our country. As former police officers, we pledged our lives to look out for our communities. My time as an officer inspires my role in Congress and motivates others to serve.
Whether it’s Mississippi or Colorado, our experiences as police who worked directly in communities influence our choices and discussions in Washington. We take pride in our roots, and this perspective shapes our daily work.
When you’re on the beat, you don’t check someone’s political affiliation before asking for assistance. It doesn’t matter if someone is a Republican, Democrat, or independent; that principle carries over to our approach in Congress. We’re focused on collaborating with those who value solutions and strive to strengthen America.
Unfortunately, anti-law enforcement narratives have gained traction, especially amidst calls for policies that could jeopardize safety. Many who echo these political sentiments fail to see the real repercussions: increasing crime rates, the empowerment of criminal organizations, and the influx of dangerous substances like fentanyl in our communities. Such policies compromise the effectiveness of law enforcement, putting families at risk.
We entered Congress to tackle these issues and offer viable solutions. That’s why we advocate for policies that support local law enforcement, ensuring they have the resources and legal authority necessary to perform their duties effectively.
For instance, the Elevation Method aims to assist local law enforcement in addressing sanctuary state challenges by pursuing foreign criminals and gangs in our communities, particularly where local officers face limitations. We are also advancing resolutions to develop a coordinated national strategy to bolster protections for officers, enhance mental health support, and improve training and resources.
Concrete steps are being taken in Congress to rebuild trust within our communities and enhance safety, drawing on our law enforcement experiences. We’ve endured tough situations, mourned our peers, and worked diligently on the front lines. This firsthand knowledge will inform every piece of legislation we propose, every hearing we participate in, and every vote we cast.
Our backgrounds in law enforcement underscore that restrictive policies can often lead to more offenses rather than deter crime. Officers are expected to maintain safety while facing constraints that hinder their effectiveness. Such limitations not only frustrate personnel but also endanger the public.
We didn’t come to Washington just to engage in politics. Our goal is to serve our communities.
