Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of four bills with the support of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) to help improve public safety across the country with strong accountability safeguards.
Violent crime has been increasing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Washington state, violent crime (murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and rape) increased by 12.3% in 2021.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and a key piece in tackling the rise in crime is making sure our local law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources they need to safely and effectively do their jobs. At the same time, to build trust between law enforcement and those they protect, we must have accountability. This package helps meet both those needs,” said DelBene. “We also cannot ignore the connection between gun violence and violent crime. Another key step the House has already taken that would address crime is stronger gun violence prevention measures such as an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and outlawing high-capacity magazines.”
The public safety package includes:
- The Invest to Protect Act (H.R. 6448) that would fund local police with grants to help small, local law enforcement agencies retain and recruit officers. At the same time, the bill invests in strong guardrails and accountability measures, including de-escalation training, responding to substance use disorders, supporting survivors of domestic violence, and promoting a duty of care.
- The Mental Health Justice Act (H.R. 8542) that would help send unarmed mental health professionals to respond to mental health crises in our neighborhoods, crucial action to save lives from potentially fatal encounters with armed police officers.
- The Break the Cycle of Violence Act (H.R. 4118) that would invest in evidence-based community violence intervention initiatives. This would build on the life-saving progress forged with similar investments in the American Rescue Plan. DelBene is a sponsor of the legislation.
- The VICTIM Act (H.R. 5768) that would help bolster police forces’ ability to solve homicides, sexual assaults, shootings, and other violent crimes.
Three of the bills (H.R. 6448, H.R. 4118, and H.R. 5768) were endorsed by the DelBene-led New Democrat Coalition.
This Congress, DelBene has supported historic investments in crime prevention:
- The American Rescue Plan provided $350 billion to cities, states, and counties to hire more police and invest in proven strategies like community violence interruption.
- The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun violence prevention law in a generation, included:
- $250 million for community-based violence prevention initiatives
- $750 million for states to ensure deadly weapons are kept out of the hands of individuals determined by a court
- $120 million to prepare and train community members and first responders on how to respond appropriately and safely to people with mental disorders
- The FY22 funding agreement included a $300 million increase for state and local law enforcement assistance.
