Press Releases

Washington, DC—September 22, 2022....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted to pass the Invest to Protect Act to support local and small law enforcement departments in Arkansas and across the country. The legislation will provide resources for training, equipment, mental health support, and recruitment and retention.

Congressman Womack said, “The deadly consequences of the defund the police agenda pushed by far-left governance has been seen across America. Well-trained and resourced law enforcement officers are vital to the safety of our communities. I’m proud to support public safety by ensuring smaller forces in our local and rural departments have the resources needed to recruit, train, and retain police. I will always be grateful to the brave men and women who wear and uphold the badge.”

The Invest to Protect Act would establish a grant through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to provide $60 million per year for five years specifically to help local law enforcement agencies with fewer than 200 officers make meaningful investments in their officers and communities. The bill also requires a grant application process that can be completed within 30 minutes, so small agencies without dedicated grant-writing staff can access the funding.

It will now advance to the Senate for consideration.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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