Katko on President Biden Crime Plan: Too Little, Too Late

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. John Katko (R-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued the below response on the release of President Biden’s “Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gun Crime and Ensure Public Safety” and how it fails to address the problems it allegedly seeks to address.

“After six months of silence as our nation’s biggest cities grappled with a drastic rise in violent crime impacting minority communities most, President Biden again put his detachment from reality on display. As communities brace for a violent summer, President Biden set forward a weak and ineffective strategy that will never get at the crux of the violent crime problem. There are repercussions for the harmful ‘defund the police’ rhetoric from his party. This is too little, too late.

“I was a federal prosecutor for two decades, working side by side with law enforcement to put away some of the most heinous criminal offenders. I can tell you that fewer detectives and officers patrolling the street, slashed department budgets, reduced training, and reckless bail reform laws have emboldened criminals. The vilification and demonization of all police officers have instilled a sense of hesitation to act in violent situations. It’s not rocket science why crime is skyrocketing in cities.

“Last week, I met with law enforcement leaders in NYC and heard firsthand the issues facing law enforcement. The rise in crime is a direct result of the shortage of officers, the defund movement, an upsurge in gang activity, and the increase in drugs across the southern border. Enough is enough. Unless we want to force our communities to endure more violence on their streets, we must work together to improve police departments with standardized training, adequate resources, and the support of their local, state, and federal elected leaders.”

Background:

• Ranking Member Katko met with NYPD law enforcement leaders to discuss issues facing the NYPD including rising crime, training and recruitment concerns, and budgetary challenges.
• Ranking Member Katko joined Fox News Saturday to discuss the rise in violent crime in cities across the country. Watch here.
• Ranking Member Katko joined Fox Business’ Mornings With Maria to discuss his recent roundtable with NYPD leaders. Watch here.

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