U.S. Senators Katie Britt, John Cornyn, Colleagues Take Action to Protect Law Enforcement Officers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and several of their Senate Republican colleagues introduced the Back the Blue Act, which would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.

"As dangerous, violent threats and rhetoric rise against our courageous law enforcement officers, it is increasingly important that Congress ensures they have the protection and resources they deserve," said Senator Britt. "The Black the Blue Act honors their commitment to protecting our families, communities, and nation, and reaffirms our steadfast support for those who risk their lives every day to keep our nation safe."

The Back the Blue Act would strengthen laws to protect police officers, create a specific aggravating factor for federal death penalty prosecutions, and limit federal habeas relief for murders of law enforcement officers. Additionally, it would expand the self-defense and Second Amendment rights for law enforcement officers.

"Our law enforcement officers bravely risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and anyone who targets them should be met with the full force of the law, including the death penalty," said Senator Cornyn. "America was built on the principles of law and order, and this legislation sends a clear message that targeted attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated, dangerous criminals will be held accountable, and our men and women in blue have our full and unwavering support."

This legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition (NNOAC), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.

Senator Britt has long advocated for increasing federal support for our law enforcement officers. The historic passage of her Laken Riley Act included an amendment requiring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain any illegal alien who assaults a law enforcement officer.

Earlier this year, she also joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and several of their colleagues in introducing the CLEAN D.C. Act, which would reverse steps taken by D.C. City Council that threaten officer safety and weaken law enforcement. In light of recent and increasing attacks, she has called for the dangerous targeting of our law enforcement officers to end and for perpetrators to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

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