Public Safety & Homeland Security

“Today, 78 people will likely die of a heroin or opioid overdose,” wrote the members. “This epidemic rages on across the United States, and local law enforcement and public health agencies are overwhelmed by need. It is our responsibility to provide them with the resources they desperately require to save lives and repair their communities. We continue to hear from leaders in law enforcement and in addiction recovery who say they are unable to provide assistance to needy residents because they lack the funds. As you complete work on the 21st Century Cures legislation, we write to encourage you to include immediate funding to combat heroin and opioid addiction and overdose in this package. Knowing that Cures will likely be one of the final pieces of legislation that Congress acts on this year, we hope you will consider this a final opportunity to take needed action to combat this crisis."

“After several high-profile public hearings in Congress and a scathing Inspector General’s report, it is clear that the Departments of Homeland Security and State need to do a much better job of coordinating their efforts to successfully deport the most dangerous criminal aliens,” said Courtney. “In the case of Casey Chadwick, what we now know is that after Haiti repeatedly rejected our requests to deport Jean Jacques, a man with a conviction for attempted murder, the matter was never formally raised with the State department as a means to further pressure the Haitian government to cooperate. These agencies have a responsibility to pursue all the tools and authorities at their disposal to elevate cases like this, and if they will not do so on their own our bipartisan bill will ensure that it occurs.”

“It was an honor to join the Norwich Police Department for a ride-along so I could experience firsthand the work our local police officers are carrying out on our behalf each day,” said Courtney. “It was especially gratifying to see the efforts of the Department to combat opioid abuse in our region. The drop box they offer for citizens to safely dispose of their unneeded prescription drug products has been particularly successful. I want to thank Sgt. McKinney and his law enforcement colleagues for their commitment to community engagement and daily work on behalf of Norwich and the region. ”

“There are no words which can adequately convey what a horrific and heartbreaking day this is for the United States of America. As the reporting from Dallas this morning has made clear, what occurred last night was an execution-style attack on Dallas police officers who were engaged in protecting freedom of speech and ensuring public safety – the highest form of public service."