WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced legislation to protect America’s monuments, memorials, and statues from ongoing violence in our nation. The legislation echoes President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order introduced on June 26, 2020.

“The ongoing violence in our nation is abhorrent and the deliberate destruction of our nation’s history cannot be tolerated,” said Congresswoman Lesko following the introduction of the legislation. “The president took decisive action to protect our nation’s monuments, memorials, and statues, and this legislation will build upon that action to give its provisions the full strength of law.”

The bill ensures that any person or group that destroys or vandalizes a monument, memorial, or statue is prosecuted and requires that those who incite violence and illegal activity are prosecuted. The legislation also directs federal departments to withhold grants and other funding from state and local law enforcement agencies that fail to protect monuments, memorials, and statues, and provides personnel assistance for the protection of Federal monuments, memorials, statues, and property across the country.

“The sustained assault on our American history must be stopped and it is my hope that this legislation will do just that,” continued Lesko. “We must preserve our history for generations to come.”

Congresswoman Lesko was joined by Representatives Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Ted Budd (NC-13), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Bob Gibbs (OH-07), Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Michael Guest (MS-03), Andy Harris (MD-01), Jody Hice (GA-10), Roger Marshall (KS-01), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Chip Roy (TX-21), Greg Steube (FL-17), Ron Wright (TX-06), and Ted Yoho (FL-03) in the introduction of this legislation.