The radical ‘defund the police’ movement has taken a toll on our police departments. As a result of public harassment and harsh anti-cop rhetoric, we are seeing early retirements and a thinning in the ranks of our police forces. To combat this and encourage the next generation to pursue careers in law enforcement, I've reintroduced the Law Enforcement Education Grant Program Act. This act aims to provide students in criminal justice-related fields with grants tied to a service agreement requiring four years of full-time law enforcement service. Despite what the liberals spin, police officers keep our streets safe and criminals in check. I’ll continue to support them and fight for the resources they need to protect our communities.
We are still grappling with the disappointing ruling favoring Canada's tariff rate quota practices under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—a decision that restricts trade opportunities, especially concerning Canada's tariff-rate quota measures. While this outcome was disappointing, I'm dedicated to fighting for increased market access for our dairy farmers, not just in Canada but globally. Additionally, my recent talks with Thailand's ambassador have shown promise for boosting trade relations between the United States and Thailand. We're looking forward to further updates, especially regarding potential export market access for our pork and poultry producers in Thailand.
I am joining my colleagues Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19), along with a coalition of fellow lawmakers, in expressing concerns for the USDA regarding the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) requirements for 2022. The Biden Administration's approach is to block farmers' access to vital aid by attaching unreasonable conditions that have nothing to do with helping farmers. This is misguided; it is causing prolonged delays, and it could jeopardize our farmers' ability to receive essential relief. Our letter urges the USDA to return to the original 2021 ERP Phase 1 framework, ensuring farmers receive the timely, no-strings-attached support they deserve.
As always, please contact my office if there is anything we can help with. Thank you for your continued support!
With gratitude,
