Are We Still a Nation of Laws?

Plus updates on key police & public safety bills

Depending on which media you consume, you may or may not have caught the story about the attack on two of New York City’s Finest. After an NYPD officer and lieutenant told a pack of eight-to-12 men to leave the area, a scuffle ensued. It eventually culminated with the men proceeding to kick, punch, and spit on the officers, leaving them on the ground as they escaped.

Never mind that the suspects are illegal immigrants in our country, here uninvited. Adding to the egregiousness of the situation, the men that were eventually caught were released without bail after being charged with assault. Then, in an act of brazen smugness, one of the suspects smirked and gave the middle finger to reporters after being released from custody.

This scenario should never happen in a nation that respects its police officers and citizenry, and values the rule of law.

It isn’t an outlier, either. Officers are under increased attack. These men and women who represent the U.S. Constitution are not just being shot at in record numbers. Tens of thousands of them are annually beaten, kicked, attacked with chemical weaponry, and run over by cars. As offenders are exempt from punishment.

If police officers can so easily be targeted and discounted, what does that mean for the rest of us?

These are symptoms of a dysfunctional country in deep distress. And it’s why so much of my focus is on lobbying for the Protect & Serve Act (H.R. 743) and other police and public safety bills that can help our nation escape this insanity.

As I lobby for these critical bills, I do keep in front of me that no law is a panacea. Government can’t legislate morality. And it can’t (and shouldn’t!) solve all of our problems for us or replace foundations like the nuclear family and faith.

One key obligation government does have is to provide for the safety and defense of its citizens. This is a key pillar that allows us, as free Americans, to flourish.

We can’t be joyful and fulfill our potentials, after all, when we’re in constant survival mode because we’re existing in a state of chaos and lawlessness. If we want all Americans to thrive (and that is the goal) then we need to re-establish ourselves as a nation based on the rule of law.

“The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful and virtuous.” —Frederick Douglass

Legislative Updates

The Protect & Serve Act (H.R. 743)

Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL) signed on as a co-sponsor to the Protect & Serve Act this past week, making him the bill’s 97th co-sponsor! Though the bill is stuck in the House Judiciary Committee, it’s still gaining momentum. This is happening, in large part, because you’re taking the time to lobby your U.S. representatives.

Please, whatever you do, don’t stop now. Help keep that momentum going! Ask your family members, friends, and networks to contact their U.S. representatives, urging them to co-sponsor the Protect & Serve Act.

Leadership from my independent women’s network has agreed to prioritize this bill by placing it in their action center. Once this happens, about 30,000 women who care deeply about our country will be introduced to this issue. This is just the beginning of these efforts. Our collective voice is going to pack a powerful punch!

Two New Public Safety Bills

In the previous installment, I told you about several new promising congressional bills with the potential to positively impact public safety. My press releases on the Safe and Open Streets Act (H.R. 6926) and the Holding Prosecutors Accountable Act (H.R. 6999) are now live on the National Police Association website.

Let’s focus on the Holding Prosecutors Accountable Act for a moment. This important bill has the potential to change the disastrous public safety trajectory we’re on. It was introduced by Rep. Dan Meuser (PA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Byron Donalds (FL) last month. (Please thank them if you have a chance, even if you don’t live in their districts.)

This bill was drafted in response to the rise in state and district attorneys who use their offices to promote ideological beliefs. We’ve all seen the carnage occurring across the country (including in cities like Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C.) that has resulted from prosecutors who neglect to initiate criminal proceedings against violent offenders.

H.R. 6999 seeks to hold prosecutors accountable by denying their jurisdictions Byrne Grants when they fail to achieve a minimal 67% prosecution rate of violent arrests. Byrne Grants, which are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), account for a significant portion of grant money that local and state governments use for their crime control and prevention programs. These includes initiatives like victim assistance programs, police-related crisis intervention teams, and specialized police training. During this past cycle, the DOJ awarded more than $96 million to 949 recipients.

Another important aspect of this bill is that prosecutors who oversee jurisdictions of more than 380,000 residents would be required to publish their prosecution rates on an annual basis.

Currently, most prosecutors’ offices don’t do this. Personal story: Several years ago while advocating for the Madison Police Department, I attempted to get specific data from our district attorney’s office. What a surprise it was to learn that this information wasn’t readily available to the public. No American should have to plow through bureaucratic tape just to find out information that affects our safety and security.

During the past several years, we’ve heard non-stop calls from certain legislators, members of the media, and activists calling for police accountability. Most police officers are already subject to multiple layers of accountability - both internally, as well as from a number of agencies, including the state’s department of justice and attorney general’s office, independent investigators, and the DOJ.

Where are the calls to hold state and local prosecutors to similar standards? Why are district attorneys allowed (with impunity!) to create havoc in our communities by releasing violent criminals? This is why we need H.R. 6999.

There are, of course, questions surrounding this bill, as there is with any proposed legislation. Will prosecutors, in their quest to maintain federal funding, find a way to manipulate the numbers? Will they use it as an excuse to prosecute more police officers just to keep their numbers in check? These are important considerations that need to be discussed. I’m confident, however, in the author’s diligence on this piece of legislation. And remember, bills are not final products. Congressional hearings and mark-up sessions will provide opportunities for edits.

Even if these bills don’t pass this session, a solid foundation has been laid. It symbolizes hope.

Best. : )

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For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.