National Police Week was recognized, and in a disappointing move, Congress pushed forward with a slew of bills that threaten to dial back...
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Dear Friends,
This week in The People’s Congress, National Police Week was recognized, and in a disappointing move, Congress pushed forward with a slew of bills that threaten to dial back accountability and compromise the safety of our communities.
During this pivotal week, Congress considered legislation that requires fierce progressive advocacy, which sadly was in short supply. From urgently reimagining our approach to law enforcement to critically evaluating our role on the international stage, each bill presented this week is a battleground where our core values of justice, fairness, and peace are at stake. Let’s dive into the legislative actions of this week and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
Reflecting on This Week's Key Legislation:
Israel Security Assistance Support Act (H.R. 8396):
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, this legislation seeks to guarantee continuous military aid to Israel, despite recent findings that the weaponry we are providing has been used in violation of international law. I stand in complete opposition to the passage of this bill, which the House voted on this Thursday (224 YEAS, 187 NAYS)
While I was pleased to see President Biden's decision to withhold a munitions shipment to Israel, I believe we must take even bolder steps to promote a lasting peace. It is crucial that we suspend all military aid to Israel as long as the aggressive onslaught against Palestinians continues. Our foreign policy should embody our deepest commitment to human rights and peace, urging all parties towards diplomatic resolutions that ensure long-term stability and safety for all involved. That is why I have continued to advocate for a permanent ceasefire and push for negotiations that respect the dignity and rights of every individual affected by this conflict.
Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act (H.R. 7343):
In a move I am very disappointed to see, Congress passed this bill (265 YEAS, 148 NAYS), which requires anyone who is accused of assaulting a police officer to be detained if they are not a U.S. citizen. This measure does not keep police officers safer and it does not keep our communities safer either. Instead it could disproportionately impact immigrant communities, risking human rights abuses and undermining due process.
Last weekend I visited the U.S. Mexico border, where I witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by immigrants seeking safety and better opportunities. Many flee violence and persecution, hoping to build a safer future for their families, just as many of our immigrant ancestors and relatives did. Our immigration policies must reflect these realities and focus on comprehensive reform that ensures public safety through fair, transparent practices while respecting human dignity. We must reject fear-based policies and work towards a system that upholds justice and compassion for all individuals. Instead, this bill looks for another reason to demonize immigrants while looking to score cheap political points.
Police Our Border Act (H.R. 8146):
The divisive language used in the "Police Our Border Act", which passed the House on Thursday (254 YEAS,157 NAYS), frames immigration as a security crisis, overshadowing the critical need for humane and comprehensive immigration reform. When we create legislation aimed at protecting the safety of border officers, it is equally important to address immigration in a manner that respects human rights and provides a fair process for asylum seekers.
You might be surprised to know that many Congresspeople have never visited our border, and have never met a family applying for asylum, or seen the detention centers in which immigrants are kept. It is impossible to create legislation that fairly and accurately addresses immigration without firsthand knowledge. I went to the border to deepen my understanding of the complexities of our immigration system. And what I saw reinforced my belief that we must implement humane immigration practices. Our policies should prioritize integrating technology and improving the efficiency of asylum processing to address security concerns without resorting to fear-based narratives.
LEOSA Reform Act of 2024 (H.R. 354):
Passing the House on Thursday (221 YEAS, 185 NAYS), the LEOSA Reform Act seeks to broaden the environments in which law enforcement officers can carry concealed weapons, including schools and national parks.
The National Education Association ([link removed]) sums up the bill best in their letter to Congress, by stating, “The LEOSA Reform Act will not make us safer. The legislation will in fact bring more guns to the places we gather, by expanding the authority for active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines. H.R. 354 allows for the carrying of concealed firearms in almost all places open to the public.”
This approach not only disregards the principles of gun-free zones, but also raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the public in traditionally safe spaces. As a proponent of gun control and community safety, I strongly advocate for policies that emphasize de-escalation, mental health training, and community engagement. Enhanced training and partnerships, not more guns, are the keys to safer communities.
Youth Justice in D.C. (H.R. 7530):
The DC CRIMES Act, which proposes to redefine 'youth' in criminal sentencing and restricts lighter sentencing options, passed the House on Wednesday (225 YEAS, 184 NAYS). This bill will severely impact young people's futures, and blatantly disregards the evidence-based lessons we have learned from the era of mass incarceration. As a progressive voice, I advocate for a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, particularly for youth. Our focus should be on restorative justice practices that provide young individuals with opportunities for investment and growth, rather than trapping them in a cycle of incarceration.
Condemnations and Safety Resolutions (H.Res. 1213 & H.Res. 1210):
These resolutions, which link policy changes like “defunding the police” to increased violence against law enforcement, are yet more examples of Congress’s failure to provide actual leadership, relying instead on empty rhetoric that does nothing to address the needs of communities or law enforcement. There are serious issues facing our communities, yet Congressional leaders want to use grandstanding and bluster rather than actually address the issues that affect the lives of the voters. I’m not running for Congress to talk a good game; I’m running for Congress to respond to the needs of our district. Sloganeering is not going to make communities safer; instead we should invest in community-led safety initiatives that build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Effective public safety requires comprehensive community engagement and resources that support both preventive measures and crisis response.
Congressional Agenda Look Ahead:
* Farm Bill Discussions: As we approach the markup of the Farm Bill, there are concerns about significant cuts to the SNAP program (also known as food stamps or EBT) and the removal of climate guardrails. It’s vital that we advocate for a bill that supports our agricultural communities sustainably and equitably.
* Budget and Appropriations: As FY24 funding concludes, our focus shifts to the FY25 budget. Expect debates over allocations that will significantly impact our social services and economic stability.
Your Voice Matters:
As these discussions unfold, your engagement is crucial. Whether it’s calling your Congressmember and/or Senators about troubling bills, or advocating for progressive reforms in community policing and immigration, your voice can drive change.
Visit davidkimforca.com/volunteer/to find out how you can get involved.
Want to call your representative? CLICK HERE ([link removed]) to find their contact information!
Thank you for your dedication to our cause. Together, we can uplift our community—and our country—towards a more just and compassionate future.
Warm regards,
David Kim
Candidate for Congress, CA-34
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