With a crime wave sweeping New York caused by the anti-police agenda and no-bail policies of the progressive Democrats, Long Island congressmen swept into the house in the state’s “Mini Red Wave” are pushing bills aimed at tipping the scales back toward public safety.
A number of bills introduced in the 118th Congress seek to toughen penalties for crimes against law enforcement and fight back against calls to defund the police. The local delegation is also looking to establish a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer.
“One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring that our law enforcement officers and first responders have the support and resources they need to keep all of us safe,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY1), co-sponsor of the legislation. “Each of these bills takes an important step to supporting our heroes who put their lives on the line every day.”
At the top of LaLota’s list is House Resolution 69 which would “recognize the dedication and devotion of law enforcement personnel” and looks to “condemn calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police.” He’s also pushing the “Thin Blue Line Act” which would toughen penalties against anyone who murders police officers and other first responders. The bill, which passed the U.S. House in the 115th Congress, would make the murder or attempted murder of a first responder an “aggravating” factor in death penalty determinations, according to LaLota.
Another measure, the “Back the Blue Act,” would increase the penalties for criminals who intentionally target law enforcement and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves. The “Protect and Serve Act” would establish a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer and causing serious bodily injury in circumstances that affect interstate commerce. The Law Enforcement Bill of Rights will provide even more support to law enforcement.
Also supporting an anti-crime agenda in Washington is Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY2), who introduced the POLICE Act, which would make assaulting a police officer a deportable offense for any non-citizen.
"As the Biden Border Crisis rages on, I have serious concerns about the ramifications for law enforcement officers who are on the front lines dealing with migrants,” Garbarino said. “Whether on Long Island or at the southern border, there should be no ambiguity that assaulting a police officer is a deportable offense for non-citizens. The POLICE Act would ensure that we can hold criminals accountable for violence against law enforcement officers who are simply doing their jobs."
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| Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) File Photo |
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| Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) File Photo |
“Mounting criticism of American policing following the violent death of George Floyd and others at the hands of law enforcement has prompted calls for enhanced police accountability and shifts in funding from police to social services and community-led safety efforts,” according to the Council on Criminal Justice. “At the same time, violent crime has spiked in many U.S. cities, with some experiencing record-setting numbers of homicides.”
The National Fraternal Order of Police reports 323 officers shot in the line of duty in 2022, up seven percent from the year before, and 13 percent higher than 2019 when assaults on the police began to spike. Of the officers shot last year, 60 died of their injuries. There were 87 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers last year, according to the Fraternal Order. The attacks resulted in 124 officers shot, 31 of whom were killed.
“It’s clear that the policies of the Progressive Left have elevated attacks on police officers and made our communities less safe,” said state Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “The people of New York have had enough and made their voices heard at the ballot box by electing representatives who will tackle the crime wave head on. Let’s hope that the politicians arrayed against law enforcement see the light and support the bills that will protect their constituents.”
“The men and women of law enforcement are constantly under assault as they pursue their mission to protect and serve,” said Manny Vilar, past-president of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State and a candidate for the Suffolk Legislature. "The anti-police atmosphere perpetuated by those who should know better have brought about this crime wave. Thankfully, we have legislators fighting back to give officers the support and respect they deserve. I will work with them for safer streets when I win the election in November."