President Joe Biden argued that police need 'more resources not fewer resources,' as he signed three bills at the White House Thursday that would expand benefits to first responders.
Biden signed the 'COPS Counseling Act,' the 'Protecting America's First Responders Act of 2021,' and the 'Federal Officers and Employees Protection Act,' surrounded by a number of his former Senate colleagues.
As he signed the COPS Counseling Act, the president handed the pen over to seven-year-old Jake Bomba, whose father, Montgomery County Police Officer Thomas Bomba, committed suicide after surviving flesh-eating bacteria he was exposed to while at a work training.
President Joe Biden (right) hands a pen to 7-year-old Jake Bomba (left), whose father, Montgomery County Police Officer Thomas Bomba, committed suicide after surviving flesh-eating bacteria he was exposed to while at a work training
Montgomery County Police Officer Thomas Bomba was in a decade-long dispute with his Maryland county over benefits after being exposed to flesh-eating bacteria at work. He's seen with his son Jake (left) who attended the White House ceremony Thursday
Thomas Bomba's widow Angela (second from left) and son Tommy Bomba (left) also attending the White House signing
He battled the Maryland County for benefits for 10 years before taking his life.
Before signing the legislation, Biden previewed a new Department of Justice initiative to give $139 million to police departments in order to bring in more than 1,000 new officers.
'Before I turn to the specific of the bills, I want to say that when you look at what our communities need, what our law enforcement is being asked to do, it's going to require more resources not fewer resources,' Biden said.
'That's why my administration is investing in the community policing we know works,' he added.
'Today's investment and the bills I'm about to sign share a goal of helping law enforcement officers and first responders be the protectors and the partners our communities need,' the president said.
President Joe Biden (right) spoke alongside Vice President Kamala Harris (left) at the signing ceremony in the State Dining Room
