Growing up in a family deeply rooted in Law Enforcement, with my father serving as a Police Officer and both grandfathers in the NYPD, I have a profound understanding of the sacrifices made by our Law Enforcement Officers. They are the backbone of our communities, tirelessly working day and night to ensure our safety.

During my tenure as an Amityville Trustee and now as a Member of Congress, I have remained steadfast in my support for our Law Enforcement. As a Trustee, despite financial challenges inherited from previous administrations, I prioritized increasing Police presence on our streets, ensuring the safety of our residents. In Congress, I have been a strong advocate for legislation to permanently reauthorize the COPS Program, providing essential grant opportunities to bolster Law Enforcement efforts nationwide.

Furthermore, I have consistently backed legislative initiatives aimed at protecting and empowering our brave men and women in Blue. I have championed resolutions condemning calls to defund or dismantle the Police and supported bills like the POLICE Act, which designates assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer as a deportable offense. Additionally, I have endorsed the Back the Blue Act, which enhances penalties for those targeting Law Enforcement Officers and equips Officers with vital resources for self-protection.

The rise in violence against Law Enforcement officers in Kathy Hochul's New York is deeply concerning. Congress must take decisive action to ensure our Law Enforcement Officers are respected and protected. That's why I have thrown my support behind the Protect and Serve Act, which designates Police Officers as a protected class nationwide. This crucial legislation imposes severe penalties for harming Law Enforcement Officers, including up to 10 years in prison for causing serious bodily injury and life imprisonment for crimes resulting in death or involving kidnapping.

In an era marked by hostility towards Law Enforcement, it is imperative for Congress to send a clear message of unwavering support for our dedicated Officers. As your representative in Congress, I remain committed to standing up for our Law Enforcement community and will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize their safety and well-being.