Republican senators unveil bipartisan bill to support law enforcement officers

U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Susan Collins (R-ME), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) on May 2 offered bipartisan legislation to punish criminal offenses targeting America’s law enforcement officers.

“Those who commit senseless acts of violence against law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, which is why I am proud to reintroduce this legislation that creates federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement,” said Sen. Tillis, who first introduced the bill in 2020, according to his staff. “They put their lives on the line to protect us, and we should do the work in Congress to protect them.” 

Sen. Tillis sponsored the Protect and Serve Act of 2024, S. 4258, alongside 10 original cosponsors, including Sens. Collins, Daines, Hoeven, and Capito, as well as U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV).

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Protect and Serve Act, which makes intentionally harming our men and women in blue a federal crime,” Sen. Capito said. 

Specifically, S. 4258 would make knowingly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to a law enforcement officer a federal crime, according to a bill summary provided by the senators. Offenders would be subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years. An offender could receive a life sentence if a death results from the offense, or the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or attempted murder, the summary says. 

“This legislation would help increase protections for those who serve in state, local, and federal law enforcement by holding anyone who knowingly targets or attacks these dedicated officers fully accountable for their criminal actions,” said Sen. Collins.

If enacted, this law would apply to federal law enforcement officers and to state and local officers in circumstances where the federal government can establish jurisdiction over the case, states the summary. 

The measure is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Sergeant Benevolent Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and the National Association of Police Organization.

“This legislation will ensure that those who target these public servants with violence face the appropriate federal penalties, and will hopefully serve as a deterrent to help keep our officers safe,” Sen. Hoeven said. 

“Targeted violence against law enforcement in Montana and across America warrants federal prosecution,” added Sen. Daines. “A crime against men and women in law enforcement is a crime against protection, against safety and against the rule of law.”