New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is calling for the protection of law enforcement officers across the nation, despite the civil unrest and protests to “defund the police.”
During an interview with “Fox & Friends Weekend” on Saturday, Stefanik stated that there is “a lot of work to do” to tackle race relations in America and police reform. “Our police are needed in the communities that are being hurt the most right now, where you are seeing the most violence. So, we need to defend the police, not defund the police…and really look at how we can have positive change and that’s by increasing our training, that’s by increasing our community outreach. Not turning our backs on hardworking law enforcement,” she said.
Stefanik has been an advocate and proud support for law enforcement. She is also a co-sponsor of the JUSTICE Act, which is legislation that “provides long-term solutions focused on police reform, accountability and transparency, while also promoting efforts to find solutions to systemic issues affecting people of color such as education and health disparities.”
“I am a proud cosponsor of the JUSTICE Act, an important bill with many bipartisan provisions to improve police-community relations, increase transparency and accountability in police forces, and end police brutality. Shamefully, Senate Democrats blocked even having a debate on this legislation.Our North Country law enforcement has strong relationships with our communities and local leaders, and the House Democrats’ partisan bill will impede the ability of officers to do their jobs effectively, deprive them of necessary surplus safety equipment, and will have extremely negative consequences for our public safety. I continue to urge House Democrats to work across the aisle and consider the JUSTICE Act – a meaningful legislative proposal filled with bipartisan provisions.” Stefanik stated in a release.
The North Country embraces and relies on our law enforcement who have strong ties to our local communities.
I proudly support law enforcement families and increasing training and resources for law enforcement, not defunding, like my Far-Left opponent.
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) July 19, 2020
Our North Country law enforcement has strong relationships with our local communities. These brave men and women serve in the line of duty everyday. #NY21 is grateful for their dedication and service! #BackTheBlue (Photos from Waddington, NY in St Lawrence Co.) 🇺🇸💙 pic.twitter.com/jx2PlPRyyo
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) July 18, 2020
WATCH: This morning on @FoxandFriends, I announced my endorsement from the Police Conference of NY representing 25k police officers.
I’m proud to attend the #BacktheBlue parade in St. Lawrence Co. today to show our strong community support for #NY21 law enforcement🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/VOmvHkrx0P
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) July 18, 2020