Political Quotes

“I commend the Senator from Maryland who, just as he did when he was in the State legislature and has done every single day since he has been in the Senate, has been supportive of law enforcement and police officers. I am sorry there was an objection. I spoke earlier to my dear friend, the Senator from Maryland, Mr. Cardin. I told him that earlier today I chaired a hearing on the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. The distinguished Presiding Officer, the Senator from Delaware, was there, as were law enforcement officers from Delaware. During that hearing we heard from Officer Ann Carrizales of the Stafford, TX, police department. This was some of the most powerful testimony I have heard in my almost 40 years on that committee. She was shot in the face and chest during a routine traffic stop last year. She was saved by her protective vest. She returned fire and then pursued the suspects for 20 miles and ultimately helped a neighboring police jurisdiction apprehend the shooter--a determined police officer, former Marine, mother, and wife. We also heard from a police chief who will be staying here with law enforcement during National Police Week. We talked about the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, which Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell--who served in law enforcement, a Republican from Colorado--and I first introduced, and for decades it has been passed unanimously. It saves lives. It is not a luxury item.…”