Michael Burgess: “I thank my friend from New York for yielding, and I thank him for leading this discussion on behalf of the Rules…”

“I thank my friend from New York for yielding, and I thank him for leading this discussion on behalf of the Rules Committee today. I wanted to come down and speak in support of the rule, and I want to speak in support of the underlying bills. We do honor National Police Week. Republicans are advancing seven pieces of legislation to reaffirm their commitment to our Nation's law enforcement. Yet, again, we are seeing our colleagues misrepresenting the legislation that really should be bipartisan. Every single day, Madam Speaker, thousands of men and women in blue put their lives on the line to protect their communities and keep We the People safe. Last year, in fact, more than 370 law enforcement officers were shot in the line of duty, the highest year on record. Law enforcement officers and their departments are under increased scrutiny from the public, all the while trying to navigate a crisis at our southern border, a historic upsurge in crime, and an unfortunate rise in drug-related deaths throughout the country. It is no surprise then, Madam Speaker, that the police departments across the country have had trouble recruiting and retaining officers and keeping new officer candidates. This week, started by President Kennedy in 1962, is set aside to commemorate and honor all of the officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.…”