Debt Ceiling Crisis Was Avoidable

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Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Police Week. I am proud to stand with Virginia's police officers, not just during National Police Week but each and every day.

Our brave men and women in blue selflessly confront danger to protect us and our families, and I firmly believe it is only right to recognize all they do to keep our communities safe.

Unfortunately, as Americans face a rise in violent crime across the Nation, law enforcement officers have faced significant challenges and grave threats that have jeopardized the safety of those sworn to protect our communities.

These challenges range from increased violence against officers, efforts to defund police departments, lagging technology, recruitment and retention issues, and rising mental health concerns.

Last year, 246 law enforcement officers were tragically killed in the line of duty. This year, there have already been 41 officers killed in the line of duty serving their communities.

We must do more to support brave men and women of our Nation's law enforcement who serve our communities with courage, dedication, and strength. This week, I was proud to vote for several bills that showed them that we have their backs just like they have ours.

Whether it is through legislation or simple actions, we must prioritize appreciation of the men and women in blue who put themselves in harm's way to protect their communities.

The people of Virginia's Second District do an excellent job of showing our support for our men and women in law enforcement. This week, members of my team attended the annual National Police Week ceremony at the Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The ceremony and memorial serve as a solemn reminder of what our police officers put on the line every day when they wake up and go to work to protect our community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me and the people of Virginia's Second District in recognizing the brave men and women of our law enforcement community for putting their lives on the line to keep us safe.

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