Police Week

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and women from police departments and law enforcement agencies throughout northwest Ohio and across our Nation.

We recognize them to thank them for their patriotism and to meet with them during this Police Week. We also honor the work they do, the hard work day in and day out to protect and serve our communities year- round.

Recently, efforts like Elon Musk's DOGE tried to cut Federal funding for law enforcement by cutting COPS and Department of Justice grants to them. These programs help local agencies get equipment and training they need, while also providing funding to hire additional officers.

At every step of the way, I opposed those cuts. Those efforts to cut funding are also why I joined my bipartisan Appropriations colleague Congresswoman Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma to introduce the Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026 to extend funding opportunities to trusted not-for-profits to train and support rural law enforcement.

Far too often, smaller departments get fewer opportunities for specialized training.

Mr. Speaker, our bill ensures every community, big or small, has access to 21st century tools for policing. I hope our colleagues join us in cosponsoring this legislation.

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