WYCKOFF, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer received the endorsement of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association (PAPBA), one of the largest law enforcement locals in the New Jersey State PBA, which represents Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Police Officers.
Gottheimer’s record of commonsense leadership and steadfast support of law enforcement and first responders as congressman of New Jersey’s Fifth District helped him earn the support of PAPBA, which represents more than 1,500 police officers.
Last month, Gottheimer’s bipartisan, bicameral Invest to Protect Act, to make critical, targeted investments in local law enforcement, passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support — 153 Republicans and 207 Democrats voting for Gottheimer’s bill. The Invest to Protect Act will ensure that local departments have what they need to recruit and retain the finest officers, to provide necessary training, and to invest in mental health resources for officers.
Gottheimer’s Invest to Protect Act is supported by Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Fraternal Order of Police, and local New Jersey law enforcement organizations and departments, including input from the New Jersey State PBA and New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police.
The hardworking law enforcement officers of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police Teterboro Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, the NY Bus Terminal, PATH trains, all bridges and tunnels between New York and New Jersey, and the World Trade Center properties.
“Far too many don’t recognize that our officers wake up every morning, put on a vest, kiss their husbands, wives, and children goodbye, and head into a volatile, uncertain, and at times, a very dangerous world. These brave men and women of the Port Authority Police serve on the front lines at major ports of entry and critical transportation infrastructure, protecting our region day in and day out against serious criminal and security threats like terrorism and human trafficking. I’m fully committed to funding — not defunding — the training, tools, and support our officers need to fight crime and terror, and protect themselves and our communities,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “My bipartisan Invest to Protect Act — which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support — will ensure that local police departments across our country have what they need to recruit and retain finest officers, to provide necessary training, and to invest in providing mental health resources for our officers to keep themselves and our communities safe.”
Gottheimer continued, “I’m incredibly honored to receive this formal endorsement from the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association. One thing is clear: if you want to make something better, you don’t get there by cutting or defunding. You need to make smart, targeted investments. That’s why we must fund — not defund — law enforcement. We must always get the backs of those who protect our communities.”
Gottheimer has also earned the endorsement of the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (NJSPBA), the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association (STFA), and the National Troopers Coalition (NTC).
In Congress, Gottheimer serves as a member of the bipartisan Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus. Among other action, he has fought to claw millions of federal dollars back to the District in the form of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants, Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) 1033 grants, Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG), and other resources to support our communities and local law enforcement and first responders.
Gottheimer also cosponsored bipartisan legislation that passed Congress and was signed into law to reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. He cosponsored the Public Safety Officer Pandemic Response Act of 2020 to support first responders impacted by COVID-19, voted for the thin Blue Line Act, and fought to pass the bipartisan Never Forget the Heroes Act, which provides long-overdue support for 9/11 survivors and first responders.
