Grassley at County Sheriffs of America Conference: We appreciate your leadership more than ever

 

Good afternoon. I’m honored to be among members of the Major County Sheriffs of America today.

Sheriffs serve a very important role. You’ve adapted to protect and serve through a pandemic, social unrest and shifting problems facing our nation.

Now more than ever, we appreciate your leadership and commitment. As we begin a new year, we’re facing unique problems. We’re dealing with unprecedented drug abuse, a dramatic rise in violent crime and increased abuse against law enforcement.

These three issues – drugs, violent crime and supporting law enforcement – are some of the most important things I work on as a senator. And I’m certain that many of you here today feel the same.

Drug overdose deaths have reached all-time highs.

Over 100,000 Americans have died from illicit drugs in a 12-month period. Fentanyl is the primary culprit. You all know and see the impact that fentanyl and other illicit drugs have on your communities. That is why you protect and serve.

Fentanyl is increasingly available and potent. Nowadays, teens can get fentanyl laced pills on social media, and drug traffickers mix the deadly drug with other illicit substances. It’s because of the availability and lethality that fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.

The most effective way to stop the spread of fentanyl is to make sure that every version of the drug is controlled. This will help law enforcement officers identify and collect the drugs and will empower prosecutors to charge and convict bad actors.

I’m a staunch supporter of permanently scheduling fentanyl and its analogues because it will save American lives.

In addition, violent crime is surging nationwide.

Murders in 2021 were up 5 percent from the year before and up 35 percent compared to two years ago.

Carjackings are through the roof. The police in New York and Philadelphia tell us carjackings have quadrupled since the middle of the last decade.

And around our nation’s capital, carjackings have tripled in the past two years.

That is why you protect and serve.

The most effective way to stop violent crime is for law enforcement to patrol our streets and make arrests when someone commits a crime. And to be effective, you need to know the suspect won’t get just a slap on the wrist. In too many cities, the political bigwigs and people wearing suits don’t appreciate what the people wearing badges are doing.

And let’s not forget the calls to defund police and berate the men and women who wear the badge. Sadly, too many of our citizens still see law enforcement as the enemy. Sometimes that turns into senseless violence. Ambush-style attacks against police are up 115 percent. Homicides against police are up 56 percent.

And yet, you still protect and serve.

In turn, you need the support from the American public and members of Congress. It’s easy to be jaded and feel unappreciated, but often the loudest voices of criticism don’t speak for the majority of communities. Most people you see on the street and in your neighborhoods are glad you’re there. I know I am.

Each sheriff here has made a commitment to protect your neighbors and serve your communities. Your dedication and selflessness are remarkable.

I have and will continue to champion efforts in the Senate to reduce drug abuse, combat violent crime and support law enforcement. It’s the least I can do to protect and serve you – the sheriffs of our great nation.

Thank you again for the opportunity to speak here today. God bless you all.

-30-