In the News
Sen. Cornyn, Rep. Bacon Introduce Back the Blue Act
Washington,
May 13, 2021
WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, today U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the Back the Blue Act, which would increase the penalties for criminals who intentionally target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.
“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve families across Texas. Violent criminals who deliberately target those who protect and serve our communities should face swift and tough penalties and the Back the Blue Act sends that clear message. National Police Week helps remind us that we must give the men and women in blue our unparalleled support, and I appreciate Rep. Bacon’s leading by example through introducing this important bill in the House”said Sen. Cornyn. “Those who protect our communities – whether it’s on the beat, from the bench, behind a hose, or performing CPR – deserve extra protection from violence directed at them, including assault, intent to kill or conspiracy to kill,” said Rep. Bacon. “The anger and violence have risen against these community guardians and this legislation is needed now. I am looking forward to working with Sen. Cornyn to get this long-overdue legislation passed into law.” Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rob Portman (R-OH), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Boozman (R-AR), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID), and James Lankford (R-OK) cosponsored the legislation. They were joined in the House by Representatives Steve Stivers (OH-15), Bill Johnson (OH-06), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Bob Latta (OH-05), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Rob Wittman (VA-01). Read the full news release here. |