Val Demings

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, real life is quite different from television or political buffoonery. Half of gun murders in the United States go unsolved. Victims are too often left with no justice and their families with little support. Who amongst us believes that murderers or violent criminals should not be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law? I pray, Mr. Speaker, that no one in this Chamber really believes that. But, today, we will witness with our own eyes who actually wants to fund the police. I learned a long time ago, don't just listen to what they say but watch what they do. As a former law enforcement officer, I vividly recall being on the scene of young people dead as a result of violence, knowing that their families would soon receive devastating news. We all know that there will be more families who receive those calls. I want to make sure that there are experts, trained and ready, who can help them through those horrible moments. Mr. Speaker, I saw as a detective, a detective sergeant, and a chief of police that violent crimes require a coordinated and professional response to ensure a word that we really need to get familiar with in this Chamber, and that word is ``justice.'' We know that far too many police departments just do not have the resources they need to solve these heinous crimes. That is why I introduced the VICTIM Act. I have even heard one of my former law enforcement colleagues suggest that the Department of Justice has already provided enough resources. Let me be clear about what this bill does. This legislation provides additional Federal resources for State, Tribal, and local law enforcement agencies to make sure that our men and women in blue-- remember, back the blue--have the support they need to do their jobs, that survivors of violent crime have the support they need to try, Mr. Speaker, to rebuild. But this is not a blank check. This funding must specifically be used for the hiring and training of detectives and victim support specialists. Further, recipients would be required to regularly report how the money was spent and how it affected clearance rates for homicides and nonfatal shootings. The National Institute of Justice will evaluate these reports and see what works and see what did not work. We are demanding results, or at least we should be because our communities are demanding results.

Mrs. DEMINGS. As the chief of police in Orlando, we were laser- focused on reducing violent crimes. I ask my colleagues who like to talk about violent crime to join us in reducing violent crime. We were able to do so because we had the resources to do so. This legislation is supported by the FOP, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Policing Institute, and the National Association of Police Organizations. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us in backing the blue.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the underlying bill is a significant step forward in supporting community mental health efforts, which I applaud. As a former social worker and former law enforcement officer, I have seen the devastating impact when communities fall short of meeting the needs of persons struggling with mental health and substance addiction. Florida is 49th in the Nation on access to mental health care. It is not a position we are proud of, but many States across the Nation have failed to adequately address these issues. Law enforcement officers, as we all know, have a tough and dangerous job, and I was proud to co-lead the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, signed into law by President Trump, which recognizes that addressing mental and psychological health is just as important as good physical health. My amendment is a simple one. It will insert reporting requirements on available mental health and stress-related programs for law enforcement officers and recommend additional tools that may be helpful or necessary to identify, access, monitor, and improve the overall well-being of our law enforcement officers. I am proud to support this bill, as it is critical that we support our community by boldly addressing mental health issues. I am proud to offer this amendment that will support the men and women in blue who support, protect, and serve us. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, as a police chief, I was expected to get things done, to do everything within my power to keep people safe. Offering thoughts and prayers is fine. My grandchildren do that. But if that was all I did as a police chief after mass shootings, no one would have let me get away with that. Well, there is an expectation for Congress, too, to do more. Madam Speaker, what is painfully wrong with this tragic moment in our history are the people who want the power of the position but not really the responsibility. Congress failed that little girl who could only be identified by her green tennis shoes. Congress failed the loved ones in Buffalo, at the Pulse nightclub, and in Newtown. After the Parkland shooting in Florida, Republican legislators helped pass red flag laws and other meaningful legislation to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. Will we do something? Haven't we had enough, or is it just too scary to do the right thing?

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, in 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of May 15 as National Police Week. Established in 1962 by a joint resolution of this body, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Last year, in my home State of Florida, we lost 51 law enforcement officers. I pause to honor them today. I was sworn in as a police officer in 1984. I shall never forget my oath or the indescribable feeling of being a police officer. Police officers do it all: they coach little league baseball, football, basketball, they deliver meals to seniors, mentor teens, and buy teddy bears for abused and neglected children. We also know they run to murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries, and other vicious assaults, including domestic violence calls. They respond, without hesitation, hoping and praying for a peaceful resolution, but never really knowing what the outcome will be. This year, 617 new names will be added to the memorial wall, fallen officers who lost their lives through violence, crashes, assaults. There were 439 officers that lost their lives to COVID-19 while doing everything they could to protect and serve their communities. Representing central Florida, I will take a moment, Mr. Speaker, to remember my brother, Orange County Deputy First Class Craig Seijos. Every day Deputy Seijos went to work, ``Making a Difference'', serving the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Orange County, Florida, for 30 years. He is gone but will never be forgotten. The 62 law enforcement officers added to the memorial wall this year lost their lives through gunfire. As the 36th chief of police of the Orlando Police Department, I would like to tell you about one of them, Officer Kevin Valencia. On June 11 of 2018, Officer Valencia responded to a domestic violence call involving a convicted felon holding a woman and four children at gunpoint. While attempting to rescue those children, the gunman shot through the door critically injuring Kevin. Kevin fought hard but succumbed to his injuries last year. Kevin Valencia, only 29 years of age, was a good police officer, one full of courage, full of pride, and commitment. Officer Valencia is gone, but he will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, as we honor these men and women for their service, we here in this body--the same one in 1962 who passed the joint resolution--have an obligation to continue to support legislation that will help keep our law enforcement officers safe and will give them the tools needed to perform the tough job, the dangerous job that they do every day. Protectors, guardians--when they need to be--warriors--when they need to be--public servants, America law enforcement officers, my brothers and sisters in blue, many have given much. These officers whose names appear on the memorial wall have given all. Let's honor their memories, their service, their sacrifice.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I was unable to be present for the Roll Call vote for H.R. 7372, Protecting Semiconductor Supply Chain Materials from Authoritarians Act (Rep. Titus--Foreign Affairs). Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 127.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, the best time to prioritize cybersecurity is before you experience a cyber incident. Cybersecurity preparedness is essential, yet most State and local governments do not have the experience, expertise, or resources to do it alone. They need a Federal partner. Enactment of S. 658 delivers on that partnership through a network of consortiums across the country. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 658, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, now more than ever it is critical that State and local governments, along with the private sector, prioritize their cybersecurity preparedness. The threat of cyberattacks continues to grow, and with the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are reminded yet again of the importance of stronger cybersecurity. Since 2004, DHS has partnered with the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium, a group of universities that conduct research and training to help entities better prepare for cyber risks. This legislation will authorize the consortium to help strengthen our Nation's cybersecurity preparedness. More specifically, S. 658 authorizes DHS to partner with a consortium of nonprofit entities to provide training to first responders, develop curriculums for training programs, conduct cross-sector exercises to defend and respond to cyber threats, and help incorporate cyber risk into State and local emergency plans. Last year, Congress provided $1 billion in new grants to State and local governments to strengthen their cybersecurity. Ensuring they have access to advice and support to develop their cybersecurity preparedness plans is an additional step we can take to enhance our Nation's cybersecurity. Additionally, Chairman Thompson offered an amendment during the committee markup that strengthened the bill by ensuring that DHS can partner with more than one consortium; adding the inclusion of HBCUs, MSIs, and community colleges as a factor in the selection of a consortium; and promoting greater geographic diversity among participating institutions. All communities across the Nation need to prioritize cybersecurity preparedness. These changes should ensure that DHS partners with a diverse range of institutions to better assist the many different types of State and local governments that would benefit from enhanced cybersecurity preparedness. I thank Senators Cornyn and Leahy for their leadership in authorizing this legislation and for working with the Homeland Security Committee to make improvements to this bill. Madam Speaker, I urge my House colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 658) to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with cybersecurity consortia for training, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. H.R. 5681 is about enhancing equity and career opportunities for Native American officers that currently serve as Shadow Wolves in Sells, Arizona. These officers are currently limited in pay and opportunity by their classification, despite having the appropriate training for advancement. This legislation addresses that problem. For this reason, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5681, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5681, the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko), the ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, seeks to resolve limitations to career advancement and pay equity for Native American officers, a part of the Shadow Wolves program. Shadow Wolves are officers that form ICE Homeland Security Investigations' tactical patrol unit. These officers operate in the Tohono O'odham Nation, located in southern Arizona, and track human and drug smugglers along Tribal lands. Since 1974, the Tohono O'odham Nation has allowed Shadow Wolves to patrol its lands to stem the flow of illicit activity within the region. This elite unit leverages both technology and the traditional art of tracking to detect footprints, tire tracks, and clothing associated with smuggling operations. Over the last few years, Shadow Wolves have increasingly expanded their operation beyond tracking to investigative work and support response. Under current law, Shadow Wolves can only be hired as tactical officers in a lower pay grade, although most of the officers have completed special agent training. H.R. 5681 reclassifies Shadow Wolves as special agents upon successfully completing the law enforcement training requirements. H.R. 5681 also directs DHS to establish a strategy for preserving the Shadow Wolves and expanding comparable units with the consent of relevant Native American Tribes. By passing this bipartisan bill today, this body is prioritizing the development of a diverse and equitable Federal workforce. I urge my colleagues to join with the Tohono O'odham Nation and the Shadow Wolves officers and support H.R. 5681. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5681) to authorize the reclassification of the tactical enforcement officers (commonly known as the ``Shadow Wolves'') in the Homeland Security Investigations tactical patrol unit operating on the lands of the Tohono O'odham Nation as special agents, and for other purposes.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, our top priority, as Members of Congress, is protecting the safety and security of the American people. We have no room for error when it comes to keeping Americans safe. H.R. 5616 prioritizes the quality of training DHS offers its newest officers and ensures that State, local, and Tribal law enforcement entities have better access to trainings that will make American communities safer. I thank my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee for unanimously supporting H.R. 5616. Madam Speaker, I urge the rest of my colleagues to support H.R. 5616, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I have no more speakers, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5616, the DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2021. Every year, DHS onboards thousands of new officers who all must successfully complete basic law enforcement training programs. As a former police chief with 27 years of law enforcement service, I have seen how training saves lives. Unfortunately, at DHS, several of the basic training programs tailored to component officers are not accredited. In some cases, programs have been unaccredited for several years. Unaccredited programs include: the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, the Customs and Border Protections' Field Operations Academy Officer Basic Training program, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' Officer Basic Training program. In 2019, the head of the Department's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers testified before the Homeland Security Committee that accreditation is important because it ``assigns rigor to training processes'' and ``results in the best product.'' H.R. 5616 seeks to improve the quality of the training provided to all new DHS officers. It does this by requiring the Department to report to Congress on the accreditation status of each of its basic training programs. For those programs that are not accredited, it requires DHS to report: the reasons for not obtaining or maintaining accreditation; the activities, if any, taken to achieve accreditation; and the anticipated timeline for accreditation of the program. Further, H.R. 5616 requires DHS to continue to report to Congress annually until all DHS basic training programs are accredited. H.R. 5616 also directs DHS to engage in research to help State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement officers better access the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center training opportunities, including those that enhance national preparedness and response to terrorism. I introduced this bill in October to direct DHS to prioritize improving its basic training programs to maintain a higher standard of excellence for new officers and position them to effectively safeguard the American people, our homeland, and institutions. Madam Speaker, I urge my House colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, February 7, 2022. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Thompson: This letter is to advise you that the Committee on the Judiciary has now had an opportunity to review the provisions in H.R. 5616, the ``DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2021,'' that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction. I appreciate your consulting with us on those provisions. The Judiciary Committee has no objection to your including them in the bill for consideration on the House floor, and to expedite that consideration is willing to forgo action on H.R. 5616, with the understanding that we do not thereby waive any future jurisdictional claim over those provisions or their subject matters. In the event a House-Senate conference on this or similar legislation is convened, the Judiciary Committee reserves the right to request an appropriate number of conferees to address any concerns with these or similar provisions that may arise in conference. Please place this letter into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our committees. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5616) to require reporting regarding accreditation of basic training programs of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, H.R. 5615 is the first step in ensuring that cities that fall on and off the UASI list will have the opportunity to preserve their capabilities that were built out with the funding provided by the program. Enacting H.R. 5615 is timelier now more than ever, particularly given how dynamic the terrorist threat landscape is today. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5615, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 5615, the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act. In the wake of September 11, there was a recognition that cities across the Nation could be targeted for terrorism and that they did not have the resources to develop core capabilities to prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist attacks and other catastrophic events on their own. Starting in 2003, cities across the Nation began receiving dedicated counterterrorism grant funding from the Department of Homeland Security's Urban Area Security Initiative grant program. The UASI program, as it has come to be known, provides first responders with the tools, resources, and training they need to safely and effectively protect their communities. At its height, the UASI program funded approximately 60 cities. In recent years, however, the number of cities receiving funding from the program has been reduced to, on average, 30 each year. While support to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago has remained constant, year-to-year fluctuations in grant funding levels and changes in DHS' risk formula have resulted in some cities losing funding unexpectedly. As a result, cities like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Omaha face uncertainty year after year about whether they will receive UASI funding or will be forced to try and maintain core homeland security capabilities on their own. The sudden loss of Federal support places great strain on cities that often lack the resources to cover such unexpected costs. My bill, the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act, which is cosponsored by my friend from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon) recognizes the importance of preserving capabilities achieved with Federal grant dollars, particularly given how dynamic the terrorism threat landscape is today. It directs DHS to develop a plan for how to support the transition of costs associated with maintaining homeland security core capabilities achieved through UASI investments. Specifically, my bill would direct DHS, acting through FEMA, to survey current and former UASI cities regarding their capabilities that were achieved through UASI grant funding that are at risk of being reduced or eliminated without Federal assistance. Additionally, the bill would require DHS, if needed, to submit a plan on how to make Federal assistance available to former UASI jurisdictions to take on the costs of preserving UASI-funded homeland security capabilities, including legislation. This plan is the first step to ensure that all cities have the capabilities they need to secure themselves from terrorist threats. Madam Speaker, I urge my House colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5615) to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a plan to make Federal assistance available to certain urban areas that previously received Urban Area Security Initiative funding to preserve homeland security capabilities, and for other purposes.