Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson Requests Funding for Law Enforcement in the American Rescue Plan

Strategic Insights -

The American Rescue Plan Act, passed earlier this year, has allocated $1.9 trillion to support COVID-19 response efforts, promote economic recovery, and replace lost revenue for governmental services. However, Representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana has expressed concerns that the plan does not specifically direct funding to local police departments, which he believes is essential to addressing the rising wave of crime in American cities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Representative Mike Johnson sent a letter to President Biden requesting that a portion of the $1.9 trillion bailout legislation be directed to law enforcement efforts in communities.
  • The letter points out that the current legislation does not specifically direct funding to local police departments, contrary to recent claims made by the Biden Administration.
  • Johnson argues that the underfunding of law enforcement puts innocent lives in jeopardy and that law enforcement agencies need a guaranteed portion of the funds allocated to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments.
  • The letter asks the Treasury Department to include a requirement in its final rule on American Rescue Plan spending that at least a minimal portion of funds be spent on law enforcement.
  • Johnson also proposes that jurisdictions that do not comply with the law enforcement funding requirement must submit an explanation in writing to the Treasury Department and Congress.

Statistics:

  • The American Rescue Plan Act is expected to cost American taxpayers more than $1.9 trillion over the next decade.
  • The Act sets aside $350 billion to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in recovering from the side effects of the pandemic.
  • Violent crime is on the rise in nearly every major city, with murder rates sky-high.
  • During the Independence Day weekend earlier this month, more than 200 people were killed and over 600 were injured.
  • Nationwide, murders increased by twenty-five percent from 2019 to 2020, and 2021 is shaping up to be even worse.
  • Law enforcement retirements nationwide rose by forty-five percent between April 2020 and April 2021, and resignations climbed eighteen percent compared to the previous year.

Sources:

  • Letter from Representative Mike Johnson to President Biden, (date not specified)
  • The American Rescue Plan Act
  • Treasury Department interim rule on American Rescue Plan spending (date not specified)
  • Congressional news release from Representative Mike Johnson's office (date not specified)