Congress and Crime: A Shift in Focus
The 119th Congress may be seen as a pivotal moment for safety and security in the United States. With the election of a Republican majority in 2024, voters pushed back against progressive ideas like defunding the police and prioritizing the rights of criminals over those of victims. This shift has allowed Republicans to drive forward practical crime-fighting measures, alongside a rapid confirmation of judicial and executive nominees dedicated to law enforcement.
It’s clear that national security ranks as the top priority for the federal government. The previous administration dropped the ball by adopting lenient crime policies. This left communities dealing with more brazen criminal activity and police departments that were struggling, not to mention district attorneys who often declined to prosecute serious offenses.
In contrast, the Republicans of the 119th Congress have stepped up where Democrats faltered. Their renewed emphasis on combating crime, supporting law enforcement, and safeguarding American families has coincided with a notable decline in violent crime rates, the largest on record in the nation.
From 2024 to 2025, murder and robbery rates dropped by about 20%. And according to a midyear report from the Council on Criminal Justice, 2026 is poised to continue this trend, potentially surpassing the record lows of the previous year.
Overall, America is experiencing its safest period in a century.
This Congress, the Senate Judiciary Committee has been instrumental in advancing crime-related legislation. As chairman, I’m pleased to have guided significant public safety laws through the committee, such as my “HALT Fentanyl Act,” aimed at tackling deadly fentanyl imitations, and the “Secure America Act,” to bolster support for law enforcement and border security. We’ve passed multiple measures reinforcing our commitment to police.
I’ve also been active in confirming key leadership at the Department of Justice, which has refocused efforts on protecting citizens, including Attorney General Todd Blanche. Simultaneously, I’ve advanced President Trump’s law-and-order judicial nominees at an unprecedented pace reminiscent of the Reagan era.
With less than six months remaining in the 119th Congress, my work on the Judiciary Committee is in full swing. I remain dedicated to confirming Trump’s nominees to ensure our streets are safe.
Additionally, I’m championing a significant nationwide crime package designed to shield children from online exploitation, target organized retail crime, combat the spread of illicit substances, and curb the flow of contraband in federal prisons.
This bipartisan legislation has received substantial backing from leading child safety organizations, law enforcement, and technology groups, along with support from the Trump administration. It’s crucial that this package becomes law as part of the upcoming “National Defense Authorization Act.”
Approaching my role this Congress as a husband, father, and grandfather, my aim is for every American family to feel secure from crime. I’ve worked diligently towards that goal, and I take pride in the accomplishments of the Republicans in providing lasting safety for future generations.
