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Diaz-Balart Reaction to President Obama’s Executive Order

January 6, 2016

WASHINGTON — Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement in reaction to President Obama's executive order.

"By announcing his executive order yesterday, President Obama is targeting the rights of millions of law-abiding citizens. Instead of clearing the path for serious mental health reform or supporting law enforcement, he is making a political gesture to make a so-called legacy out of his last year in the White House. The brave men and women who risk their lives for our communities deserve to be protected too, which is why I am a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 814, the Thin Blue Line Act, a bill that ensures those convicted of murdering a first responder face the harshest penalty for such a malicious act. I am pleased that Speaker Ryan has made mental health reform a priority for the 114th Congress. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which makes real reforms to our nation's mental health system. I believe in taking tangible steps that will not only support our law enforcement and truly reform the mental health system, but also work towards preventing senseless violence that claims innocent lives."

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