Keeping Our Communities Safe - The Laken Riley Act

Blog Post: Keeping Our Communities Safe

When it comes to making our neighborhoods safer, Congress recently had the chance to take a stand with the Laken Riley Act. This critical piece of legislation was designed to ensure that our communities are protected from dangerous criminals and illegal activities that threaten our families and way of life. Let’s talk about what this act does, how it will help us, and who supported—or opposed—it.

What Does the Act Do?

The act strengthens law enforcement tools and resources to combat violent crime and human trafficking. It also enhances border security to prevent illegal crossings and ensures that repeat offenders are swiftly and justly dealt with. By closing loopholes and increasing penalties for serious offenses, this bill takes significant steps to deter crime and keep criminals off the streets.

How Will This Make Our Communities Safer?

Here are just a few ways this act will have a positive impact:

• Supporting Law Enforcement: Provides additional funding for police departments and first responders to ensure they have the tools they need.
• Securing Our Borders: Strengthens border controls to stop drug and human traffickers from exploiting our nation.
• Protecting Families: Increases penalties for repeat offenders and violent criminals to prevent them from harming our communities again.

This isn’t about politics; it’s about protecting the people we care about. That’s why it’s so disappointing to see certain leaders vote against common-sense protections.

How Did Your Representatives Vote?

Unfortunately, while many Republicans stood up for the safety of our communities, Norfolk’s own Congressman Bobby Scott voted against this bill in an earlier vote. Even more troubling, Senator Tim Kaine also voted against it in the Senate. However, we want to thank Senator Mark Warner for standing with law enforcement and families by voting in favor of this important legislation.

We need to ask Senator Kaine: Why would you oppose a bill that protects our families and supports law enforcement? And Congressman Scott, will you join Senator Warner in supporting this bill during the final vote in the House? Now is the time to put partisan agendas aside and do what’s right for the people of Virginia.

What Can You Do?

It’s important to hold our elected officials accountable and let them know how you feel about their votes. If you believe in safer streets, stronger borders, and a more secure future for Virginia, take a moment to reach out to your representatives and make your voice heard.

Here’s how you can contact them:

• Senator Tim Kaine: Contact Form
• Thank Senator Mark Warner: Contact Form
• Congressman Bobby Scott: Contact Form

And don’t forget to thank Senator Warner for his leadership on this issue. He stood up for safety and made the right choice for Virginia’s future.

Closing Thoughts

Making our communities safer should never be a partisan issue. It’s about doing what’s right for the people of Virginia and across America. Let’s continue to push for solutions that put families first and demand accountability from those who represent us. Together, we can make a difference.
This Blog Written with the help of ChatGPT