WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed his recent legislative efforts to support law enforcement officers in honor of National Police Week and recognized the 67 Texans lost in selfless service to their communities who will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“These brave men and women have chosen a difficult and often dangerous career.”

“One of the most striking reminders of that sacrifice is the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which sits along the National Mall here in Washington, D.C. It’s a powerful tribute to the state, federal, and local law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty and features marble walls filled with more than 23,000 names.”

“Sadly, the names of 67 Texans will be added this year.”

“While there is nothing we can do to console the families of those heroes, we can do more to support their brothers and sisters still in blue.”

“I introduced the Back the Blue Act to strengthen laws that protect our officers.”

“The Back the Blue Act adds stiff, mandatory penalties and makes it a federal crime to kill – or attempt to kill – a law enforcement officer, a federal judge, or a federally funded public safety officer.”

“We must make it absolutely clear that violence against them will not be tolerated.”

“In honor of National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women who protect us, we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we commit to doing everything in our power to ensure that they have all the resources they need to keep our people safe.”