Rep. McCaul Joins Bill to Honor and Support Law Enforcement

Last week, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) cosponsored the bipartisan National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act with Reps. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and 27 other members of Congress. This bill would support and enhance programs of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), which honors the role of law enforcement in society by recognizing their sacrifices, valor, and mission to protect all Americans. It also increases efforts to bring educational programs on the importance of law enforcement to children and their communities.

“As a former federal prosecutor, I have the utmost respect for our law enforcement. They are some of our nation’s bravest heroes, putting their lives on the line daily to protect the American people, and it’s important we have programs that allow our children to see that,” said Rep. McCaul. “I’m honored to join this bill in support of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, as the importance of instilling an understanding toward and respect for our law enforcement at an early age cannot be understated.”

“Attacks on our law enforcement officers are at an all-time high,” said Rep. Nehls. “As someone who served in law enforcement for nearly 30 years, I know firsthand the sacrifices police officers make to uphold law and order in our society. Now, more than ever, we must pay tribute and honor our courageous law enforcement officials who are the watchful guardians of our homes and neighborhoods. I am glad to be joined by my colleague, Congressman Panetta, to support the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and bring public awareness to our brave law enforcement officers. I will always back the blue.” 

“Our law enforcement officers are willing to put their lives on the line to protect our community and uphold public safety,” said Rep. Panetta. “With the National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act we honor the bravery and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty by memorializing their lives, commemorating their service, and bringing the public and law enforcement closer together. It’s appropriate to introduce this legislation during National Police Week, however, every day we must continue to recognize the service of our law enforcement officers and always remember the officers who fell serving and striving to make our streets safer.”

“Everyone at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and National Law Enforcement Museum are so appreciative of the strong leadership being shown by Congressman Nehls and Congressman Panetta in moving this important bi-partisan bill forward,” said Marcia Ferranto, the chief executive officer of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. "Now — more than ever — Congress needs to do all it possibly can to support the law enforcement community. The education, community outreach and engagement, and officer safety and wellness programs we administer save lives and bring law enforcement closer to the communities they serve. This bi-partisan bill will not only ensure that these programs continue, but that they are expanded with a truly national reach and impact. This bill will also ensure that limited federal resources are invested in proven programs that will save police lives, make communities safer and strengthen law enforcement.”

Background:

The bill establishes a formal program within the United States Department of Justice to support and enhance community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), which was created by Congress in 1984. It also includes programs to memorialize and honor law enforcement, compile data on fatalities and injuries, enhance and improve officer safety and wellness, and bring law enforcement closer to the communities they serve by increasing public understanding. The NLEOMF includes both the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Museum.

The bill has the support of NLEOMF’s board member organizations, including COPS, DuPont, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, International Union of Police Associations/AFL-CIO, Motorola Solutions, National Association of Police Organizations, National Black Police Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Policing Institute, National Sheriffs’ Association, National Troopers Coalition, Police Executive Research Forum, Police Unity Tour, United Federation of Police Officers, and Verizon.

Additionally, the legislation would be fully paid for by taking $6 million a year from the “Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative,” which Congress funded at $50 million in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022.

Full text of the bill can be found here.