On the recordSeptember 22, 2021
Madam Speaker, it has been 20 years since terrorists attacked the United States on September 11. We have now had a generation to appreciate the courage and sacrifices so many of our first responders make to keep us safe. In my 40 years of law enforcement, including 12 as sheriff of Duval County, I know good officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. Twenty years after 9/11, many of our first responders who are critically injured in the line of duty still have a hard time getting the benefits that they have earned and sacrificed. That is why I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 2936, the Protecting America's First Responder Act. This bill would improve death and disability benefits for police, firefighters, and other public safety officers. This is a commonsense solution to a major problem, and I urge the Judiciary Committee to immediately consider this bill. ____________________
