WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) helped lead the introduction of new bipartisan legislation, the Pathways to Policing Act, which will invest in recruitment and retention programs for local and state law enforcement — to help ensure that departments in North Jersey and nationwide have the resources they need to keep themselves and their communities safe. 

This bipartisan legislation will invest $50 million for the U.S. Department of Justice to operate nationwide recruitment campaigns and $50 million for “Pathways to Policing” programs supported by local and statewide recruiting efforts. These programs will help boost law enforcement recruitment in all communities and encourage those who have non-traditional educational or career backgrounds to seek employment in law enforcement.

“Every day, our brave officers wake up, put on a bulletproof vest, kiss their spouses and children goodbye, and then put their lives on the line to protect all of us,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus.“I’m helping introduce this new bipartisan legislation to make critical investments in New Jersey’s law enforcement, in recruiting and retaining the best talent, and in ensuring they have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”

The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Congressman Dean Phillips (D-MN) and original cosponsors include Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), 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), Angie Craig (D-MN), and David Valadao (R-CA).

This year, Gottheimer introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Invest to Protect Act — which will make critical, targeted investments in recruiting and retaining the best talent, training, safety, body cameras, and for the mental health of our officers. Gottheimer’s bipartisan bill unanimously passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bipartisan legislation currently has more than 75 cosponsors in the House and will ensure our officers have the resources they need to keep communities and themselves safe. 

###