Political Quotes

“I want to commend the Judiciary Committee for expeditiously moving this bill through the legislative process and bringing it to the floor today. I'd also like to thank my good friend from Virginia, [Mr. Boucher] for his leadership and hard work on this bill, and I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of the resolution. Because our districts border each other, we frequently work together on matters that affect our border cities and constituents. House Joint Resolution 166 grants congressional approval to the mutual aid agreement between the city of Bristol, VA and the city of Bristol, TN. The Virginia/Tennessee State line cuts right across State Street in Bristol, which is the city's main thoroughfare. Needless to say, there's a great deal of activity along this street, and unfortunately, some of it is criminal activity. There is often jurisdictional confusion and restrictions on law enforcement personnel caused by the location of the State line. This legislation will allow each city to respond to requests for law enforcement assistance made by the other city. The citizens of Bristol deserve the best police protection available, and this mutual aid agreement will accomplish that goal. Mr. Speaker, this agreement is authorized under Tennessee and Virginia law, and I hope we can get this resolution approved by both Houses without delay.”