I grew up in Philadelphia, and both my uncle and my cousin served as Philadelphia police officers. I’m going to show my age a little here, but I grew up in a time when information wasn’t instantly available at our fingertips. If there was a report on the evening news about an officer being shot or an officer down, families would rush to the phone to make calls and make sure their loved ones were safe.
That’s what law enforcement is to me: family.
As a small business owner, I have worked directly with law enforcement officers in multiple jurisdictions whenever they reached out for assistance or expertise. As a jewelry appraiser, gemologist, and precious metals buyer, I occasionally encountered situations involving stolen property or suspected criminal activity. Whenever possible, I worked with victims and law enforcement to help recover property and support investigations—even when doing so created challenges or backlash for my business.
I have also spoken publicly in support of local law enforcement when they were being unfairly criticized for carrying out their duties or assisting federal agencies in executing lawful warrants.
My respect for law enforcement will never waver. I will continue to speak out in support of the men and women who put on the badge every day, especially when they are unable to speak for themselves.
I am a strong supporter of both law enforcement and the Second Amendment. I support both without reservation.
I believe police officers should be able to do their jobs without constantly worrying about becoming targets of anti-police rhetoric from politicians, activists, or media organizations. Every day, they put their lives on the line to protect our communities. That level of service and sacrifice deserves respect and gratitude—not demonization.
As your representative in Congress, I will support legislation that strengthens and protects law enforcement officers and first responders. They deserve leaders who will stand with them consistently, not only when it is politically convenient.
Congresswoman Madeleine Dean often highlights legislation she has supported that enjoyed broad bipartisan backing. However, I believe true support for law enforcement is demonstrated when difficult votes arise—not just when supporting legislation is politically safe.
For example, Congresswoman Dean has prominently promoted her support for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Among other provisions, the legislation proposed changes to federal standards for prosecuting police misconduct, limitations on qualified immunity in certain civil actions, expanded Department of Justice investigatory authority, and restrictions on no-knock warrants. While supporters viewed these reforms as accountability measures, many law enforcement organizations expressed concerns about their impact on policing.
More recently, Congresswoman Dean voted against the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (H.R. 354), legislation strongly supported by the Fraternal Order of Police. The bill would have expanded concealed-carry protections for qualified active and retired law enforcement officers under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA).
She also voted against legislation that included additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
These votes reflect a different approach to law enforcement than my own.
I believe our police officers, sheriff’s deputies, federal agents, corrections officers, and first responders deserve strong and consistent support. They should have access to every reasonable protection, resource, and tool necessary to keep themselves and our communities safe.
If elected to Congress, it would be my honor to serve those who have dedicated their lives to serving us.
God bless our law enforcement officers and first responders, and God bless America.
What Is LEOSA?
LEOSA, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, is a federal law enacted in 2004 that allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines, subject to certain limitations and exceptions.
The LEOSA Reform Act (H.R. 354) was proposed legislation designed to clarify and expand certain protections under LEOSA, addressing concerns raised by active and retired officers regarding where they may legally carry.
Congresswoman Madeleine Dean voted against H.R. 354. The bill passed the House and would have expanded concealed-carry protections for qualified active and retired law enforcement officers in certain locations, including additional public areas and facilities. Her vote was recorded as "No" on the House roll-call vote for the legislation.
Aurora Stuski for Congress
Fighting for Berks and Montgomery Counties