WASHINGTON, D.C. –– In advance of National Police Week, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) today announced a hearing Wednesday, May 15, to examine the challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement. The hearing will also focus on how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can facilitate partnerships with state and local law enforcement to increase public safety, fight crime and terrorism, and uphold the rule of law.

“As we approach this National Police Week, we are confronted with the somber reminder of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty—most recently the four Charlotte police officers heinously murdered just last month—and the selfless sacrifices made by their loved ones.

“Indeed, our nation’s dedicated law enforcement officers are making these immense personal sacrifices amid worsening obstacles to upholding law and order and evolving threats to public safety. This is especially true as officers around the country are increasingly the targets of violence and are being called upon to facilitate safe environments on numerous university campuses in the wake of pro-Hamas protests.

“I look forward to highlighting the challenges facing the men and women in blue across the country and discussing with our witnesses how DHS, and Congress, can better empower them to keep their communities safe and free. I’m proud to serve on this Committee with three retired members of law enforcement—Congressmen D’Esposito, Ezell, and Higgins—whose experience wearing the badge continues to provide invaluable insight for our work.”

DETAILS:

What: A hearing entitled, “Standing Strong on the Thin Blue Line: How Congress Can Support State and Local Law Enforcement.”
 
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM ET
 
Where: 310 Cannon House Office Building
 
WITNESSES:
 
Gregory Mays
Deputy Commissioner of Homeland Security,Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Michael Bullock
President, Austin, Texas Police Association

Michael Chapman
Sheriff, Loudoun County 

Witness testimony will be added here. The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube and will be open to the public and press. 

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