OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Providing for Consideration of H.R. Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act; Providing for Consideration of H.R. Undersea Cable Protection Act of Providing for Consideration of H.R. Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act; and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

Date: Feb. 10, 2026
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. EZELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2189, the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that modernizes our Federal firearms laws to better align with 21st century technology and the real-world needs of law enforcement officers and the communities they protect.

The bill does something straightforward but important. It creates a new classification for less-than-lethal projectile devices and removes them from outdated regulatory categories that were never designed with today's equipment in mind.

For years, departments across the country have faced unnecessary hurdles acquiring proven less-lethal tools that can make a life-or- death difference in a very high-stress environment.

These tools, such as specialized projectiles intended to deescalate confrontations, have helped officers reduce injuries for themselves and for the public. Yet the lack of clarity in the current law has made procurement difficult and compliance confusing.

H.R. 2189 fixes that, establishing clear, commonsense definitions and regulatory pathways so that our law enforcement professionals can get the equipment that they need without unnecessary delay or confusion. That is not just good policy. That is good public safety sense.

This legislation represents a balanced approach. It upholds our commitment to the rule of law, supports law enforcement safety, and provides additional tools that encourages de-escalation and reduced violence wherever possible.

As a fellow law enforcement officer, I thank Congressman Fitzgerald for leading this valiant effort. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in advancing this forward.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 2189.

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