Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2189, which includes the Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act, led by Congressman David Schweikert.

This legislation shines a bright light on how our laws actually work in the real world, where outdated policy can get in the way of safer outcomes. At the end of the day, this is about encouraging tools that help de-escalate conflict and reduce the chances of serious injury or loss of life.

Across the country, law enforcement officers are asked to resolve dangerous situations every day with the least amount of harm as possible. Less-than-lethal devices, like tasers and similar technologies, exist for that exact purpose.

Right now, some of these tools are treated in the tax code like traditional firearms. That means that they can face extra taxes and regulatory burdens that were never designed with such tools in mind. The result is higher costs, more red tape, and slower adoption of technology that can actually make encounters safer for both officers and civilians.

This bill fixes that mismatch. It makes clear that less-than-lethal weapons, such as tasers, should not be taxed like firearms. It gives clarity to manufacturers; certainty to regulators; and, ultimately, better access to lifesaving tools for law enforcement and the communities that they serve.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Schweikert for his incredible leadership on this bill that keeps our laws on pace with real-world solutions that reduce harm and protect our communities.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Tenney).

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, you absolutely cannot make this stuff up that you are hearing from the other side of the aisle. When they talk about the affordability crisis, let's talk about the affordability crisis.

Gas prices are the lowest they have been in 5 years. Inflation is the lowest it has been in 4 years. Just in the first year of President Trump, wages grew more than all 4 years under Joe Biden. We are in an inflation crisis that President Trump inherited because of the spending spree, the $10 trillion spending spree, that the Democrats did when they controlled the White House, the House, and the Senate.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, based on the comments that we have been hearing from the other side, it is proof that they didn't take the time to read the seven-page bill that we are debating on the floor. That is because the accusations and the comments you have heard, Mr. Speaker, are clearly not identifiable of the legislation that is being debated.

This bill comes down to basic common sense. Our tax code should not put unnecessary barriers in front of technologies designed to reduce harm.

Representative Schweikert's legislation helps align our tax policy with our public safety goals. It supports innovation, it encourages less lethal means of law enforcement, and removes an outdated burden that never made much sense to begin with.

When Congress has the chance to make a straightforward fix that can contribute to safer communities and smarter policy, we should take it.

I commend Congressman Schweikert for his leadership, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I congratulate the 22 brave Democrats who believe in less lethal force by sponsoring this legislation. I just wish there was more of that party.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source