Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, America's law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders are on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus. Over 100 public safety officers tragically lost their lives due to COVID-19, and that number will inevitably continue to rise. During this challenging time, it is critical that we ensure our officers and their loved ones can utilize the Department of Justice's Public Safety Officers' Benefits program. The PSOB program was created to aid officers killed or totally disabled on the job. The program reviews over 1,000 claims submitted every year and provides one-time payments of roughly $365,000 for officers who lost their lives or who were totally disabled in the line of duty. The program also provides monthly education benefits to the children of these officers. While nothing can ever replace a loved one, this program gives our first responders peace of mind, knowing that their families will be taken care of should the worst happen. However, to receive benefits under current law, first responders must prove they contracted COVID-19 while on duty. Both Republicans and Democrats agree: Congress must amend the PSOB program to create a presumption allowing officers and their families to receive assistance without facing this burdensome requirement. Unfortunately, the majority in the House is delaying these important benefits. The Senate passed S.…”