By Congresswoman Stephanie Bice
This National Police Week, we pause to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who serve our communities with courage, commitment, and integrity. Every day, officers across Oklahoma and the nation put on the uniform knowing they may face life-threatening dangers in the line of duty. Their willingness to confront those dangers on our behalf is nothing short of heroic. Since becoming a Member of Congress, I’ve had the opportunity to witness their service up close, riding along with officers across the district, walking alongside them through disaster zones, and touring the forensic and cyber labs where they perform essential behind-the-scenes work. Their dedication is unmatched, and I am continually inspired by their selfless devotion to keeping our communities safe.
Unfortunately, that service has become increasingly perilous. In 2022, 64 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty, with a significant number of those deaths resulting from ambush-style attacks. Thirty percent of these fatalities were unprovoked, targeting officers simply because they wore the badge. At the same time, police departments around the country are battling an unprecedented rise in violent crime, staffing shortages, and the lasting impact of anti-police rhetoric and “Defund the Police” policies. These misguided efforts have made cities less safe and created a climate of hostility and danger for the men and women who work to uphold the rule of law.
That’s why this week House Republicans are voting on several bills aimed at protecting our officers and reaffirming our commitment to public safety. One of the pieces of legislation is H.R. 2240, the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act, introduced by Rep. Tim Moore. This bill directs the Attorney General to collect and report more comprehensive data on violence against law enforcement, including ambush attacks, while also evaluating the effectiveness of wellness programs and protective equipment. By better understanding the threats officers face and the tools that can help them, we can take real steps toward improving their safety and well-being. Another bill is H.R. 2255, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, introduced by Rep. Russell Fry. Under current federal regulations, service weapons must be destroyed once retired, resulting in millions of dollars in wasted taxpayer funds. This legislation allows federal officers to purchase their retired service weapons at salvage value, saving money and respecting the tools these officers trained with and relied on in the field.
Together, these bills continue to strengthen our support for law enforcement. I remain steadfast in my commitment to having our law enforcement’s backs because they always have ours. During National Police Week, I hope everybody can take the time to thank law enforcement for the work they do to keep our communities safe.
