House denounces defunding local police.

The U.S. House of Representatives Approves Resolution in Support of Law Enforcement

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a concurrent resolution expressing gratitude for local law enforcement and calling on states to recognize a police officer’s right to legal counsel when under investigation. The resolution, known as House Concurrent Resolution 40 (CR 40), was approved as part of National Police Week.

What Does CR 40 Call For?

CR 40 calls on states to adopt a bill of rights for police officers and denounces calls by “leftist activists and progressive politicians” to defund or dismantle police. The resolution was approved on a 301-119 vote, with 214 Republicans and 87 Democrats voting in favor. Two Republicans and 117 Democrats voted against the resolution, while three Democrats voted present. Six Republicans and six Democrats didn’t vote.

Why Did Some Democrats Oppose the Resolution?

Some Democrats opposed the resolution because it didn’t include federal law enforcement agencies. They say the fact that it specifies local law enforcement agencies is a slap against federal law enforcement. During debate on March 18, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) pointed out that the Capitol Police defended Congress during the Jan. 6, 2021, protests when demonstrators got into Capitol buildings. She said she was trapped in the House while Capitol Police kept her safe.

What Do Republicans Say?

According to Republicans, CR 40 is a response to the “Defund the Police” movement in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. The 2020 Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests and rioting that followed Floyd’s killing began almost three years ago on May 26, 2020.

In a March 14 Newsweek opinion piece, the Claremont Institute Center for the American Way of Life pointed out that the BLM protests have led to a rise in crime and violence in many cities across the country. The thin blue line flag, which represents support for law enforcement, has become a symbol of resistance against the “Defund the Police” movement.

What is a Concurrent Resolution?

A concurrent resolution is an agreement approved by both houses of Congress, according to the Cornell Law School website. The president doesn’t sign a concurrent resolution, and it doesn’t carry the force of law.

Despite opposition from some Democrats, CR 40 is a significant show of support for law enforcement and a call to action for states to protect the rights of police officers. It remains to be seen how states will respond to the resolution and whether they will adopt bills of rights for police officers.