“As a law enforcement officer for more than a decade, I committed myself to fairly and compassionately enforcing the laws enacted by our elected officials. In Congress, I will use that experience to enact laws that bring much-needed change to our criminal justice and penitentiary systems, which often fail to help those who most need our support.”
The United States ranks first among all nations with the largest percentage of citizens incarcerated, and Louisiana consistently has the highest crime rates in the United States, as well as one of the highest rates of recidivism.
For too long our judicial system has punished the less fortunate for crimes of survival. The penitentiary system was never designed to be a punishment – it was instead intended to be a means of rehabilitation, providing a penitent person the means to become a productive member of society.
I will continue to strongly advocate for the much-needed reform of America’s prisons.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting programs that build communities’ trust in local law enforcement. Attacks on police have sharply increased in recent years, and in 2016 Louisiana ranked third in police fatalities nationwide.
To keep our communities safe, this matter must be addressed from all sides, by patriot Americans of every color and creed. In the U.S. House of Representatives, I will be a loud voice for my brothers of the thin blue line and their families, who sacrifice so much to protect and serve.
More on Law & Crime
Higgins Introduces Legislation to Combat Fentanyl, Drug Cartels
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) is introducing the Homeland Security Fentanyl Enforcement Act, which expands the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) authority to conduct...
Higgins Co-Authors Legislation to Suspend Migrant Entry During Surges
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) joined Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL) and 11 House Republican colleagues to introduce H.R. 8952, the Justified Action for Securing Our Nation...
Higgins, Oversight Republicans Demand Answers on the FBI and NARA’s Investigation of Trump
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and every Republican member of the House Oversight & Reform Committee expressed serious concerns over the raid of President Trump’s residence...
Higgins Votes Against Democrat Gun Grab
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 1808, Democrats’ bill to ban “assault weapons.”“Elitist, Democrat politicians are plotting...
Higgins, GOP Colleagues Demand Answers on ICE’s Failure to Prosecute Immigration Cases
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), the top Republican on the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security, led Republican members of the House Homeland Security and Oversight...