H.Res. 535

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 535 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 535

Recognizing June 24th as Public Safety Awareness Day to promote citizen 
empowerment, effective law enforcement, community-based crime 
prevention, and prudent public policy in support of safer neighborhoods 
nationwide.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 23, 2025

Mr. Owens submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Recognizing June 24th as Public Safety Awareness Day to promote citizen 
empowerment, effective law enforcement, community-based crime 
prevention, and prudent public policy in support of safer neighborhoods 
nationwide.

Whereas public safety is a foundational responsibility of government and a 
prerequisite for a thriving society;
Whereas empowering citizens through education, resources, and self-advocacy 
builds stronger, more resilient communities;
Whereas individuals and families affected by violent crime deserve access to 
robust support systems, including mental health services and victim 
assistance programs;
Whereas community-centric safety strategies encourage civic engagement, reduce 
reliance on centralized bureaucracies, and reinforce personal and local 
responsibility;
Whereas public safety is undermined by ideologically driven policies that defund 
or demoralize law enforcement and neglect the real consequences of 
unchecked criminal behavior;
Whereas research has shown that the presence of well-trained and well-supported 
law enforcement officers reduces crime and enhances public trust in the 
justice system;
Whereas effective safety strategies must focus on targeted, evidence-based 
interventions, such as ``focused deterrence'', which identifies high-
risk individuals and offers pathways to change while holding repeat 
offenders accountable;
Whereas non-policing solutions--such as increased street lighting, 
revitalization of public spaces, and neighborhood-based initiatives--
contribute meaningfully to reducing crime and improving quality of life;
Whereas prosecutorial failure to address quality-of-life offenses has 
contributed to deteriorating property values, eroded trust in public 
institutions, and weakened the social fabric of communities;
Whereas investing in mental health and substance abuse treatment alleviates 
unnecessary strain on police resources and allows law enforcement to 
focus on serious threats to public safety;
Whereas the prudent and transparent use of taxpayer resources in support of law 
enforcement, crime prevention, and victim support reflects a government 
that is both responsible and responsive to its citizens;
Whereas many of America's inner cities continue to experience disproportionately 
high rates of violent crime, with homicides, shootings, and assaults 
often concentrated in underserved communities and driven by persistent 
cycles of poverty, underinvestment, and gang activity;
Whereas residents of high-crime neighborhoods--often low-income and majority-
minority communities--face daily threats to their safety and well-being, 
undermining economic opportunity, access to education, and overall 
quality of life while reinforcing systemic inequities;
Whereas, in 2024, cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, St. Louis, New 
Orleans, and Chicago ranked among those with the highest per capita 
homicide rates in the nation, highlighting a national crisis that 
demands targeted, data-driven solutions and community-based 
interventions;
Whereas Chicago recorded 617 homicides in 2023, leading the nation in total 
murders for the 12th consecutive year;
Whereas this figure remains approximately 24 percent higher than the pre-
pandemic total of 500 homicides in 2019;
Whereas Chicago's murder rate in 2023 was five times higher than that of New 
York City, despite New York having more than three times the population; 
and
Whereas the concentration of violent crime in specific neighborhoods underscores 
the need for targeted, community-based interventions to address public 
safety effectively: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of ``Public Safety 
Awareness Day'';
(2) supports the empowerment of citizens and communities in 
shaping local public safety priorities;
(3) commits to advancing policies that strengthen law 
enforcement, uphold the Constitution, and restore 
accountability in government;
(4) encourages public engagement, education, and reform 
efforts that support a safer, more secure America; and
(5) affirms strong support for law enforcement officers 
across the nation, recognizing their essential role in 
maintaining public safety, and calls for robust resources, 
clear authority, and policy frameworks that empower them to 
carry out their duties effectively and lawfully in securing 
communities and upholding justice.
<all>