Costa Co-Leads Bipartisan Effort to Support Law Enforcement, Combat Attacks on Police Officers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Dan Bishop (NC-08), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Henry Cuellar (TX-28) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act. This legislation will ensure adequate data collection to address the rise in anti-police attacks, protect law enforcement in the line of duty, and support the mental health of police officers.
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day to protect our communities. Sadly, many of them don’t come home. Violence against law enforcement is on the rise and must be addressed. That is why, I am leading this legislation to improve data reporting that could help prevent attacks against our officers." said Representative Costa.
“It is unacceptable that the rise of anti-police rhetoric has fueled a corresponding rise in violence against our brave law enforcement officers – this not only puts officers in physical danger but negatively impacts their mental health. Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect us and always have our back, and this bill will ensure we have their backs, too. I will always back the blue and stand strong against all destructive defund the police rhetoric.” said Representative Hinson.
“The rise in assaults against our law enforcement officers is disturbing and unacceptable. The push to defund the police from the left has been an utter disaster for our nation and the safety of law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line each day to protect us. I’m committed to standing with them and upholding law and order -- Congress should pass our bill to ensure that they have the comprehensive data and resources necessary to combat this surge.” said Representative Bishop.
BACKGROUND
There has been a sharp rise in anti-police rhetoric and a corresponding rise in violent acts against law enforcement officers. In 2023, 378 officers were shot in the line of duty. Throughout the year, there were also 115 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement. It is vital that we have accurate data regarding violent attacks, including ambushes, on police officers. Additionally, police often suffer assaults and other violent offenses that go unrecorded. Anti-police rhetoric and violence negatively impacts officers’ mental health and wellness.
The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act supports law enforcement officers by:
- Increasing the categories of information that can be voluntarily reported regarding anti-police attacks, including the intention and coordination of perpetrators;
- Directing the Justice Department to explore adding escalatory aggression to its reports;
- Shedding light on the mental health and stress-related impacts of aggressive activity or trauma on law enforcement; and
- Exploring the availability and extent to which mental health resources for officers are used.
Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
The legislation is endorsed by:
- Fraternal Order of Police
- National Association of Police Officers
- Major Counties Sheriffs of America
- North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police
- North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association
- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association