Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and Congressman Jared Golden have introduced a new bipartisan bill titled the Defund Cities That Defund The Police Act. This legislation aims to prevent federal taxpayer dollars from being allocated to state and local governments that significantly cut funding for law enforcement agencies without a valid financial justification.
The bill responds to policies that have reduced police department budgets, leading to officer shortages, slower emergency response times, depleted resources, and rising public safety concerns. Under this proposed law, jurisdictions that drastically reduce their police budget without a proportional drop in total revenue will be classified as “defunding jurisdictions” and will not qualify for Economic Development Administration grants or Community Development Block Grants. Any funds forfeited by these jurisdictions would be redirected to those maintaining public safety investments.
Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of supporting communities that protect citizens and respect officers: “We ask our police officers to stand up for us every day—it’s time we stand up for them. This bill sends a clear message: if you defund your police, you defund yourself.”
Golden added that defunding the police prioritizes politics over family safety: “Cities and towns should be focused on increasing public safety, and this bipartisan legislation is a common sense deterrent against bad policy.”
The legislation has garnered strong endorsements from Pennsylvania’s law enforcement leaders. Stephen Polishan of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association expressed full support for the reintroduction of this legislation due to its focus on keeping law enforcement fully funded.
Dan Diedel of Montgomery County FOP criticized the defund-the-police movement as a failure with severe consequences for citizens: “Poor legislation and failed policies are the cause of many socio-economic problems with blame misdirected at the police.”
Congressman Fitzpatrick has consistently supported bipartisan efforts aimed at strengthening public safety through community policing expansion, improved officer training, mental health support for first responders, and ensuring necessary resources are available.
Fitzpatrick concluded by stressing accountability and prioritizing public safety: “Strong communities are built by supporting the men and women in law enforcement—not by undermining them.”
