House Democrats appear to be at odds over a bipartisan bill launched earlier this year that would invest in local police departments around the country, ensuring that officers have all of the needed resources in order for them to keep themselves and the communities they protect, safe, Fox News informed.
The Invest to Protect Act, introduced by New Jersey Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer and Florida Republican Representative John Rutherford, would assist local police departments with a variety of investments in response training for safety, de-escalation, and domestic violence.
In addition, the legislation would fund body cams, mental health programs, and recruitment initiatives.
The legislation has the support of the House Problem Solvers Caucus and various law enforcement support organizations, including the National Association of Police Organizations and the National Fraternal Order of Police.
A vote in the House has not yet been scheduled.
Gottheimer told Fox News Digital that the bill is “all about funding local law enforcement for units with 200 or fewer officers,” and that it will assist these departments that are unable to purchase equipment, training, and other needed resources.
Gottheimer said that he thinks that investing in law enforcement is critical, rationing that by investing in this matter the police are protected and have the ability to do their job and protect the communities.
When asked if he feels Democratic leadership has stymied the bill’s progress because of concerns about how progressive Democrats might react, Gottheimer emphasized the bill’s bipartisan support.
He believes that debate among progressives about defunding the police departments “makes no logical sense.”
Gottheimer said that he would like to leave the matter about the leadership support to them, mentioning that the bill is a bipartisan one and that both sides of the aisle want action regarding this issue so he does not see any problem in whether the legislation will pass or not.
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