Rep. Matt Gaetz on Wednesday called out left-wing Democrats for attempting to claim they did not support defunding the police as National Police Week approaches.
Gaetz made the comments on his “Firebrand” podcast after a House Judiciary Committee.
“When you’re at risk of robbery or a battery or a stabbing, you don’t need a therapist. You need a cop — the very cops that these Democrats can’t quite figure out whether or not they’re willing to support,” Gaetz said on his podcast.
In the news: Rep. Gaetz, MTG Seek Records To Corroborate Sexual Misconduct Story Of Biden Accuser Tara Reade
The issue began when Rep. Troy Nehls, a Texas Republican, and a former county sheriff, advocated supporting a resolution recognizing National Police Week. Nehls said it was an opportunity to recognize the “valor, dignity, and integrity” of law enforcement officers nationwide and show “sincere support” for their work to protect the public.
In his comments on the topic, Nehls said the “far left has called for defunding the police for far too long,” and noted that ironically Democrats who demand draconian cuts to police budgets surround themselves with armed security.
That was a veiled reference to Democratic Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri. Just during the two-year 2022 election cycle, Bush doled out more $500,000 for private security.
Democrats objected to Nehls’ comments. Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania chastised Nehls and other Republicans for using National Police Week to express “cheap talking points” and promote “largely meaningless legislation” to trash their opponents.
In the news: Rep. Gaetz Wonders If Gov. DeSantis Seeks To “Virtue Signal” To Conservatives With Disney Skirmish
GOP Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana responded by quoting Democrats’ words to them.
Among them was Bush, vice chairwoman of the committee’s subcommittee on crime. Bush, who is black, had said defunding the police was “not a slogan, it’s a mandate for keeping our people alive.”
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.