WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of National Police Week, Senator Thom Tillis delivered remarks on the Senate floor in honor of North Carolina law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the last year. He encouraged his Senate colleagues to help pass the Protect and Serve Act, legislation introduced by Senator Tillis that would give federal prosecutors more tools to go after those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by making it a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer.

Watch Senator Tillis’ full remarks HERE.

Tillis on honoring fallen North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers during National Police Week:

“Mr. President, I rise during Police Week to honor the brave men and women in North Carolina and across the nation who serve in law enforcement. Thousands of officers and their families come to our nation’s capital every year to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities. Each name added to the memorial wall represents a story of courage, selflessness, and sacrifice. Unfortunately, North Carolinians know all too well about that kind of sacrifice.” 

Tillis on the Protect and Serve Act:

“While we can't stop natural disasters or accidents, lawmakers can play a role in helping reduce the intentional targeting of law enforcement. That’s why I continue to push for the passage of the Protect and Serve Act. This is legislation that I introduced that makes it a federal crime to intentionally harm or attempt to harm a law enforcement officer. It also gives prosecutors new tools to penalize criminals who target law enforcement. Officers go to work every day prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their communities, and they need our support more now than ever.” 

Tillis thanks the men and women in law enforcement:

“To every officer serving today, thank you for your courage. You've earned my unending gratitude. By supporting this bill, members of the U.S. Senate can demonstrate their enduring gratitude to law enforcement. By not supporting it, I don't know what that says, but I know it's something that, in North Carolina and among law enforcement agencies, it's not good. To the families of the fallen, your loss is shared by a grateful nation. We will never forget your loved ones' service nor their sacrifice. God bless them. God bless law enforcement, and may God bless the United States of America.” 

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