Cashless Bail Reporting Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Harris for bringing this important legislation forward.

Mr. Speaker, public safety should never take a back seat to politics. That is why I rise today in support of the Cashless Bail Reporting Act.

This legislation brings transparency and accountability to jurisdictions that release individuals who are charged with serious violent crimes without requiring bail.

The American people deserve to know where dangerous offenders who are accused of crimes like murder, rape, robbery, carjacking, rioting, and assault are being released back into communities before trial on unsecured bond or personal recognizance.

We have seen the devastating consequences of these failed policies. In Charlotte, Iryna Zarutska was tragically murdered by an individual who had been released on a cashless bail despite a violent criminal history.

I joined my colleagues for a hearing in Charlotte to meet with families who have lost loved ones at the hands of repeat offenders. Their stories are truly heartbreaking, and their message was clear: Enough is enough.

We must stand with victims, support law enforcement, and put public safety first.

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