MEDIA ADVISORY: Pfluger, D’Esposito Announce Joint Subcommittee Hearing on the State of Law Enforcement During National Police Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This National Police Week, the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) and the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) will hold a joint hearing to examine the state of U.S. law enforcement and how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) engages with state and local authorities across America to fight crime and terrorism, as well as prepare for disaster response.

“Across America, failed soft-on-crime policies and the ‘Defund the Police’ movement have left our law enforcement demoralized and many communities in chaos,” Chairman Pfluger said. “The threats to our homeland are only growing, from terrorist organizations and a wide-open Southwest border to violent criminals released onto our streets. Congress must ensure our state and local law enforcement are equipped with the necessary tools from DHS to increase information sharing and prepare for a multitude of emergency responses. With National Police Week right around the corner, House Republicans are working to deliver on our commitment to a nation that is safe on behalf of our men and women in blue and families across the country.” 

“As a retired detective for the New York City Police Department, I know firsthand the dangers our nation’s law enforcement officers face day and night serving courageously on the frontlines of America’s crime crisis—and far too often with little recognition,” Chairman D’Esposito said. “House Republicans have made a commitment to stand behind and be a voice for our men and women in blue. Next week, our Subcommittees will do just that by working to ensure state and local law enforcement have the necessary federal support to uphold law and order and increase community resilience.”

DETAILS:

WHAT: A joint hearing by the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence and the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology entitled, “Protecting the Homeland: An Examination of Federal Efforts to Support State and Local Law Enforcement.”

DATE: Tuesday, May 16, 2023

TIME: 9:00 AM ET

LOCATION: 310 Cannon House Office Building

WITNESSES:

Chief Michael Gerke
Odessa, Texas Police Department

Sheriff Don Barnes
Orange County, California Sheriff’s Department

Commissioner Michael Cox
Boston, Massachusetts Police Department

Additional witnesses will be announced and are by invitation only.

The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online on YouTube. Press must be congressionally credentialed and must RSVP.