WASHINGTON – Congressman David G. Valadao joined Congressman Dean Phillips (MN-03) in introducing the Pathways to Policing Act, bipartisan legislation to help address the nationwide police shortage. This legislation invests in programs to help state and local law enforcement agencies struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels.

“Police departments across the country and in the Central Valley are struggling to recruit and train qualified candidates to serve our communities,” said Rep. Valadao. “This is an urgent issue that will impact the safety of our communities and current police officers if we don’t take action to strengthen the talent pipeline. I’m proud to introduce the Pathways to Policing Act, which will provide critical resources to recruit individuals interested in law enforcement.”

“Keeping people safe is a fundamental responsibility of government, but the increasing difficulty in recruiting and retaining principled officers is comprising the security of communities all around the country,” said Rep. Phillips. “We must provide new tools for law enforcement agencies to attract the best and brightest Americans to serve the communities in which they live. Minnesota has shown the country how to do just that, and it’s time to assist agencies around the country recruit a new generation of principled police officers, and ensure safety, security, and justice for all.”

Original cosponsors include Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Cindy Axne (D-IA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Ed Case (D-HI), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).

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