I urge you to vote no on HR 516 if it comes up for a vote.
The June 2025 protester in Los Angeles was a mostly peaceful event with minor cases isolated property damage. Responding with a heavy-handed approach that fails to address the underlying issues fueling public outrage is counterproductive. The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, enshrined in the First Amendment. Rather than condemning the protests outright, we should seek to understand the grievances that led to such action and work towards systemic reforms that promote justice and equity for all. A measured response that prioritizes dialogue, accountability, and meaningful change is crucial to prevent further escalation and begin the healing process. Condemning the protestors, but not the overreaction of some members of law enforcement is counterproductive.