WASHINGTON DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) spoke at a National Police Week press conference to honor the bravery, sacrifice and selflessness of law enforcement officials laws in the State of Wisconsin and throughout the United States. Full remarks from the press conference can be found below:

National Police Week is a time to reflect and remember the men and women of law enforcement who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. It is vitally important that we all take a moment to reflect on their great sacrifice.

Thousands of men and women across this country wake up every morning, put the badge on their heart, and walk out knowing they are going to answer the call, but not knowing what call is coming.

I vividly remember a police drive through Racine County and moments after I got in the car, a call came on the radio. Shots were fired and a police car was hit. It was a clear reminder of the danger that the men and women of law enforcement put themselves in every day to keep us safe.

Two years ago, we saw a scourge of people across the country adopt anti-police rhetoric. We are dealing with the consequences of this to this day. Not only with the recruiting of officers, to ensure that we bring the best and the brightest to serve across the country, but also with the significant increase in crime in cities across the country.

In the city of Milwaukee, 197 people were murdered last year. Crime continues to rise not just in Milwaukee, but in cities across the country. It’s time we turned the corner on this anti-police rhetoric and stood with the men and women of law enforcement. We must support the badge.

It is an honor to be here today to thank the men and women of law enforcement for National Police Week.