Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) issued the following statement on today’s House Committee on Small Business Roundtable focused on Crime on Main Street USA:

“Main Street USA is facing looting and violent crime. Rising ‘smash and grab’ crime continues to create uncertainty and fear for small businesses and drive consumers away. Failure to enforce laws and prosecute criminals has jeopardized small business survival. Washington cannot ignore the victims who have been forced to repair their shattered storefronts, close their shops for safety, and cover the cost of their stolen inventory. I applaud Congressman Stauber for being a leader on this issue and advocating for both law enforcement and Main Street,” said Ranking Member Luetkemeyer.

“America’s small businesses are suffering from the crime crisis plaguing our cities. Today, we heard firsthand accounts from small business owners across the country, including from my hometown of Duluth, Minnesota, about how the crime crisis has led to loss of income and success. Make no mistake, this is a direct result of the defund and disparage the police movement. It’s time for us to support law enforcement and support our small businesses to return prosperity to Main Street America,” said Rep. Pete Stauber.

Background:

The roundtable was hosted by Ranking Member Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) and was attended by Reps. Dan Meuser (R-PA) and Young Kim (R-CA).

Small business panelists included: Paul David Alexander of Executive Wood Products from Sullivan, MO, Thomas D. Henderson of Reinhold’s Menswear from Duluth, MN, and Tara Riceberg of Tesoro from Beverley Hills, CA. The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Retail Federation (NRF), and National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) also participated in the roundtable.

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