Reps. Dave Min & Randy Weber, Sens. Kristen Gillibrand and Ted Cruz Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Expand Benefits for Public Safety Officers

Washington, D.C. -Representatives Dave Min (D-CA-47) and Randy Weber (R-TX-14) introduced the bipartisan Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026. This critical legislation would amend the existing PSOB program to speed up benefit determinations, reduce the current claims backlog, and extend benefits to cover partially, but permanently, injured public safety officers. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

"The Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program ensures that peace officers can go to work knowing their families will be in good hands if the unthinkable happens and they are severely injured or killed in the line of duty," said Rep. Min."For too long, the families of fallen officers have been denied the benefits they are owed because of bureaucratic backlogs and outdated rules. This bipartisan bill makes sure we are following through on the duty we owe to our law enforcement agents, who risk their lives every day, by setting firm timelines for benefit determinations and expanding eligibility to officers who are partially but permanently disabled. When first responders answer the call without hesitation, the federal government must do the same."

"I will never forget what Santa Fe, Texas endured almost eight years ago. When evil walked into Santa Fe High School, Officer John Barnes showed extraordinary courage. What he should not have had to endure was waiting more than seven years on Washington bureaucracy for an answer. That is wrong," said Rep. Weber. "The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026 sets clear deadlines, expands eligibility to officers who are permanently disabled and unable to return to duty, and improves the process so families are not left waiting for years. When someone puts on the badge to protect our communities, we have a responsibility to stand with them and their loved ones."

"Public safety officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe. When tragedy strikes and an officer loses their life or becomes permanently disabled in the line of duty, we must look out for them and their family," said Senator Gillibrand."I'm proud to introduce this legislation, and I will keep working across the aisle to make sure first responders and their families receive the support they deserve for their sacrifices."

"Officer John Barnes was critically wounded during the Santa Fe High School shooting and flat-lined twice while protecting students and teachers. Nearly eight years later, he is still waiting for the benefits he earned through his sacrifice. This delay is unacceptable. My bill ensures our brave law enforcement officers receive timely and fair support when they need it most," said Senator Cruz.

Congress established the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance's (BJA) Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program in 1976 to provide death benefits to survivors of officers who have died in the line of duty. Since then, PSOB has been amended several times to provide disability and education benefits and to expand benefit eligibility.

Despite these amendments, beneficiaries often experience delayed adjudication of death and disability claims. Additionally, not all public safety officers who become permanently disabled as a result of a line of duty injury are able to receive benefits under the program's current eligibility rules. Gillibrand and Cruz's legislation would help expand eligibility and speed up benefit determinations.

This legislation is endorsed by over 35 organizations and unions, including: National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), United States Deputy Sheriff's Association (USDSA), National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition (NNOAC), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), California Narcotics Officers' Association (CNOA), Police Chiefs' Association of Orange County, Riverside Sheriffs' Association, California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP), & Orange County Sheriff's Department.,

A full list of endorsements and quotes can be found here.

The full text of the legislation can be found hereand a summary of the legislation can be found here.