Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has introduced the Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act. This proposed legislation aims to mandate district attorneys (DAs) in larger jurisdictions to report annually on their handling of serious crimes to the U.S. Attorney General. Failure to comply could result in these offices losing priority funding.

The bill targets DAs in areas with populations exceeding 360,000. It requires them to disclose data on cases referred for serious offenses such as murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and burglary, including how many cases were dropped by their office.

Kennedy emphasized the need for accountability among prosecutors. "American families deserve good prosecutors to keep them safe by enforcing the law," he stated. He expressed concern over district attorneys who prioritize activist agendas over public safety.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who cosponsored the bill, highlighted concerns about rising crime rates in cities led by Democrats. "With crime on the rise... it is imperative that these Soros-backed prosecutors work, do their jobs and get these violent offenders off our streets," Cruz remarked.

Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. She criticized policies enacted by some progressive DAs which she believes have contributed to increased crime rates in major cities like New York and San Francisco.

The text of the bill was first introduced by Kennedy in February 2024 during the 118th Congress.