Bacon leads Republicans in introducing Back the Blue Act

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) on May 11 led a Republican effort to protect America’s law enforcement officers from violence.

“Those who protect our communities — whether it’s on the beat, from the bench, behind a hose, or performing CPR — deserve extra protection from violence directed at them, including assault, intent to kill or conspiracy to kill,” said Rep. Bacon. “The anger and violence have risen against these community guardians and this legislation is needed now.”

Rep. Bacon sponsored the Back the Blue Act, H.R. 3080, with seven original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Bob Latta (R-OH), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), and Mark Amodei (R-NV).

If enacted, H.R. 3080 would increase the penalties for criminals who intentionally target law enforcement officers, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Bacon’s office, and would provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) on May 12 sponsored the companion bill, S. 1599, in his chamber with 16 original GOP cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).