Charles Norwood: “I rise today in support of giving local law enforcement the power to do what they think is best. That is what my…”

“I rise today in support of giving local law enforcement the power to do what they think is best. That is what my sheriff, Charlie Webster of Richmond County, GA, wants. The bill we are debating gives State and local governments the funds to fight crime as they see fit. That is what all 19 of my sheriffs want. The other side will argue for strings to be attached. They will argue that we here in Washington truly know best how to fight crime. What a laugh. Look at the District of Columbia. I ask the people back home to listen closely to these arguments. One side wants to give you the power to fight crime; one side will tell you that they know what is best for you. It is as if they did not hear you at all last November. Local law enforcement officers know what they need to do to fight crime, and they absolutely do not need bureaucrats here in Washington telling them how to do their jobs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support local law enforcement by supporting our crime bill.”