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Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bipartisan federal bill seeks to boost support for smaller police forces
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A bipartisan Congressional bill could mean more support for police departments here at home. The Invest to Protect Act of 2025 (H.R. 2177) would create a dedicated fund for small and medium-sized police departments with fewer than 175 officers. They can use the money to recruit, train and retain police officers. Funds can also be used to invest in officers' mental health. 'It is an investment by the federal government to protect our law enforcement,' said Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.). 'The job of police officers and law enforcement officers is going to change and we have to make sure that we're ahead of the curve.' Sorensen, who helped introduce the bill in early April, said it's something everyone can get behind. 'I really don't think that's a partisan issue. I don't think that's a left or a right issue. If anything, I think this is one of those issues that can help bring us back together because the politics of hate and division, it is on full display these days, and this is one of those cases and one of those bills in Congress that can help us get through that,' he said. The bill indicates the cap would be $50 million per fiscal year from 2017 to 2031. Right now, the bill is in the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate version of the bill, S.B. 768, was introduced in February. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vasquez commits to working with police following Las Cruces shooting, points to federal legislation
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez speaks in Las Cruces following a mass shooting on March 23, 2025 in Las Cruces that left three dead and 15 injured. (Leah Romero / Source NM) U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) committed to continue working with local enforcement in Las Cruces in the wake of a mass shooting Friday evening, as well as supporting legislation at the federal level to address gun violence. Vasquez held a press conference in Las Cruces Sunday where he discussed the shooting that took place during an unsanctioned car show in Young Park, part of his former Las Cruces City Council district, which left three people dead and 15 injured. Las Cruces police announced arrests over the weekend: – a 15-year-old, two 17-year-olds and 20-year old Tomas Rivas all face charges of three open counts of murder. 'This is my community, this is my city, this is my county,' Vasquez said during the conference. He said the act of violence was a 'painful reminder' that the issue of public safety is a systemic challenge. 'We need to know how it happened, what signs were missed and how we can close those gaps that allowed this violence to unfold,' Vasquez said, adding that more needs to be done to support parents and teens during 'this new age' of gun violence. 'It's simple – 16 and 17-year-olds in Las Cruces should not be riding around with firearms, unregulated, nearly in the middle of the night. And yes, the question is where are their parents. But the most important thing as well is: Why do they have access to these firearms in the first place?' He pointed to legislation he introduced at the federal level called Ethan's Law, which would establish requirements for safely storing firearms on residential premises if a minor is likely to gain access to the weapon without permission. It would create criminal penalties for violations of the law and would also require the U.S. Department of Justice to award grants to implement requirements for safe firearm storage at the state and tribal level. New Mexico enacted a similar law in 2024, called the Bennie Hargrove Gun Safety Act, which requires gun owners to safely store firearms. When asked about supporting the car community following the shooting, Vasquez told members of the media that city and county law enforcement need to work together to ensure sufficient security at events like the one that preceded the shooting, despite being unsanctioned. He said Las Cruces' budget funds over 200 officers in the city now, but recruitment efforts need to increase. 'Our police department here is stretched very thin. They have a lot of places to be and they have high priority calls that they need to attend to, and these car meetups unfortunately are not something new, they happen all the time.' He noted the Invest to Protect Act he introduced in Congress, which would direct the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to award grants to local governments with fewer than 200 law enforcement officers to improve recruitment and retention as well as fund deescalation training. Las Cruces police announced the department will host another news conference on Tuesday with an update on the investigation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sen. Todd Young proposes bills to aid local law enforcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTWO/WAWV) — U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has introduced two pieces of legislation help to local law enforcement agencies invest in training, recruitment and mental health support. The two bills, the Invest to Protect Act and the Fighting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Act, will help support local law enforcement agencies, according to a press release from Senator Young. Indiana police departments voice opposition to House Bill 1186 'Our police officers are on the front lines every day making sacrifices to protect Hoosiers. I'm glad to join these efforts to ensure our law enforcement officers have the support necessary to continue keeping our communities safe,' Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) The Invest to Protect Act with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Chaterine Cortez Mastro (D-Nev.) will help local law enforcement agencies by creating a special grant program within the Department of Justice to support hiring and resources for agencies with under 175 officers. Since, the majority of agencies in the U.S. have fewer than 175 full-time sworn in officers, according to the press release. The Fighting PTSD Act introduced with Senators Grassley and Chris Coons (D-Del.) looks to enhance the mental health services for first responders nationwide. The act would direct the DOJ to develop treatment programs for police, fire, emergency medical and 911 staff who suffer from PTSD or acute stress disorder. Cortez Masto, Grassley push for grants for small police departments Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
