VIDEO: Blackburn Recognizes Three Tennesseans Who Will Be Honored at National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, during National Police Week, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor recognizing three Tennesseans who will be honored at the 38^th Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., later this evening:

Click here to download Senator Blackburn's remarks.

EXCERPTS OF REMARKS AS PREPARED

Blackburn Honors Hugh Carlen of Putnam County, James Hood of Jonesborough, and Justin Bradford Mowery of Blount County

"This Police Week, we are reflecting on the brave men and women in Tennessee and across the country who serve their communities with courage, integrity, and honor."

"Few places better capture the magnitude of their sacrifices than the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in our nation's capital."

"Engraved on that memorial are the names of every fallen officer in our country going back to the year 1850. It has 24,775 names."

"This week, 363 heroes are being added-including three from Tennessee: Hugh Carlen of Putnam County, whose watch ended February 24th, 1912; James Hood of Jonesborough, who fell in the line of duty August 26th, 1928; And Deputy Sheriff Justin Bradford Mowery of Blount County, who we tragically lost on December 28th."

"This week's candlelight vigil will provide a powerful moment to reflect on their sacrifices-and those made by the thousands of other officers on the Roll Call of Heroes."

"There's a reason why our officers are called the thin blue line. They are the only force separating us from chaos, disorder, and anarchy."

"They take pride in their responsibility. But to do their jobs, they need the support of their communities, their states, and their country."

Blackburn Highlights Legislation She Has Led to Back the Blue

"For too long, they have lacked that support from Democrat leadership. Instead of funding the police, Democrats have worked to defund them."

"But under President Trump, the federal government is backing the blue across the country."

"In the Senate, Republicans are working to support the administration's efforts."

"My Restoring Law and Order Act would increase funding for law enforcement and help keep violent criminals behind bars."

"My Protecting Federal Law Enforcement Officers from Doxxing Act would make it illegal to dox federal law enforcement officials and put them in harm's way."

"My Safer Prisons Act would double the maximum term of imprisonment for assaulting a Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional officer."

"Democrats can oppose the rule of law. They can side with criminals over law enforcement. They can champion the same radical policies that unleashed chaos at the border and across country under the Biden administration."

"But they can't stop Republicans from providing the resources our law enforcement needs to protect our communities. We will always back the blue."

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