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One group in Congress is actively advocating for funding law enforcement, reducing violent crime, enhancing public safety, and tackling illegal drugs—though they may not be who you expect. It’s the New Democrats.
Who are the New Democrats?
While Congress is primarily composed of two political parties, there are factions within each that range from the extreme ends to the moderate center.
Within the House of Representatives, there exists a coalition of 100 center-left House Democrats who are committed to breaking through partisanship to address America’s most urgent challenges, such as combating crime and ensuring community safety. This group is known as the New Democrat Coalition, or New Dems.
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How Congress is addressing crime
The House majority is pushing for substantial cuts to law enforcement funding, aiming to dismantle sensible measures against gun violence, and obstructing initiatives to restore order at the southern border. Conversely, New Dems are striving to enhance community safety.
The center-left New Dems have developed a package of 15 bills aimed at combating crime. (iStock)
To effectively combat crime, it is essential to focus on prevention and accountability. This entails equipping law enforcement with adequate resources to apprehend offenders and build stronger police-community relations. Furthermore, it is vital to invest in mental health support, workforce development, housing, and job training to reduce recidivism.
Congress has not acted decisively, and solutions are needed. This is why New Dems are advocating for a set of 15 bills designed to enhance law enforcement’s capability to both respond to and address the root causes of crime, including mental health issues and the illicit drugs and firearms that contribute to violence, thereby enabling individuals to create safer communities.
Tackling real issues impacting Americans
1. Law enforcement recruitment and retention
Law enforcement agencies across the nation are struggling with staffing shortages and require more support. I put forth the bipartisan “Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act,” which addresses the staffing crisis within these agencies. This legislation would expand the COPS Hiring Program, allowing local police departments to utilize grants for recruitment and retention bonuses.
2. Supporting law enforcement with community engagement
We must bolster our law enforcement agencies and ensure they have the necessary resources to respond to disruptions and criminal activity. Often, this involves collaborating with community and social experts to handle non-violent crimes effectively. The New Dem-supported bills will facilitate these efforts. For instance, California Rep. Josh Harder’s “Supporting the Health and Safety of Law Enforcement Act of 2023” proposes embedding social workers within police departments to ensure appropriate responses to mental health and substance abuse-related 911 calls.
Meanwhile, Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford’s “Break the Cycle of Violence Act” would enable Congress to provide funding for community violence intervention and prevention programs.
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3. Addressing the rise in auto thefts
The rise in auto thefts is alarming, with a vehicle stolen every 32 seconds in the U.S., as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To address this issue, New Dems have endorsed New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s “Auto Theft Prevention Act,” which would allocate more funding for law enforcement to combat auto theft and address stolen vehicle trafficking.
4. Implementing commonsense gun reform
Gun violence has reached epidemic proportions, and it is now the primary cause of death for children in the U.S. As a parent of two young kids and a former educator, I understand the anxiety of dropping your child off at school and mentally preparing for the worst-case scenario.
The New Dems are advocating for sensible gun reform. (George Frey/AFP via Getty Images)
Our office has co-sponsored three key pieces of legislation aimed at implementing universal background checks, instituting an assault weapons ban, and introducing Ethan’s Law—legislation that requires gun owners to securely store their firearms if a minor may access them without permission.
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What do New Dems contribute?
The New Democrats offer bipartisanship and a comprehensive strategy not only towards public safety but also addressing broader issues affecting Americans.
Under Democratic leadership, we have allocated unprecedented funding for law enforcement agencies—$400 million last year alone. The American population desires safety, and it is our responsibility as lawmakers to facilitate that. We are eager to collaborate with bipartisan colleagues to prioritize the safety of Americans in communities across the political spectrum.
