S. 546 – Recruit and Retain Act
We voted ‘Yes on this bill because it aims to help police departments hire and keep officers by expanding the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program. It also creates the COPS Pipeline Partnership Program to encourage local schools and law enforcement agencies to work together to improve recruitment. Additionally, it mandates a study on police recruitment and retention by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The bill would authorize $40 million over five years, with an estimated implementation cost of $25 million. Right now, our law enforcement officers are facing increased scrutiny, and we must Back the Blue!
H.R. 7659 – Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024, as amended
Our office voted ‘Yes’ on this bill that reauthorizes funding for the Coast Guard at $14.8 billion for FY 2025 and $15.5 billion for FY 2026, and sets the active duty personnel number at 44,500 for both years. It includes measures to enhance protections against sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard. This is particularly relevant to our community, given the significant Coast Guard presence and ongoing projects in Charleston.
H.R. 3935 – FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
We voted ‘Yes’ on this bill. It reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) through FY 2028, with an estimated $106 billion in appropriations. It includes provisions to improve airport infrastructure, regulatory relief for aviation, and protections against mandates related to COVID-19. Additionally, this bill has broad support and benefits to our local economy, particularly the tourism sector.
H.R. 354 – LEOSA Reform Act
Our office voted ‘Yes’ on this legislation because it amends current law to allow law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in more public places, such as national parks, school zones, and certain federal facilities. It also updates the qualification standards for officers to carry concealed firearms. This measure is intended to enhance public safety and protect officers amidst increasing violence and attacks.
Amendment 6 to H.R. 8146 – Police Our Border Act
We voted ‘No’ on this partisan amendment that seeks to remove references to President Biden in the bill. The Police Our Border Act aims to hold him accountable for the 3 year long invasion at our southern border. This amendment would dilute the bill's intent to address the President's role in the ongoing border crisis. The one that has left American families feeling unsafe and every state as a border state.
H.R. 8146 – Police Our Border Act
We voted ‘Yes’ on this legislation that requires the Attorney General to report on the impact of the border crisis on law enforcement at various levels. It seeks to provide valuable data on the costs and effects of the border situation on law enforcement morale, injuries, and fentanyl exposure. We deserve to know the real numbers of illegal aliens that have crossed our border. We need transparency and accountability and we’re delivering on that.
H.R. 8369 – Israel Security Assistance Support Act
Our office voted ‘Yes’ on this bill ensuring that the President cannot withhold defense assistance to Israel, mandates prompt delivery of defense items, and penalizes any federal employees involved in delaying or canceling such aid. This is in response to concerns about the current administration withholding security assistance to Israel. It is critical that we support our allies and withholding assistance only weakens Israel and the United State. When we withhold aid from our allies, we are helping the terrorists.
H. Res. 1213 – A Resolution Regarding Violence Against Law Enforcement Officers
This resolution condemns efforts to defund the police, supports the need for law enforcement resources, acknowledges the mental and physical toll on officers, and calls for better data collection on officer injuries. It also expresses condolences to the families of fallen officers, emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement. We voted ‘Yes’ on this resolution because we know how key law enforcement is in protecting the Lowcountry and the nation.
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