Davis, LaHood plan to unveil $15B bill to support state, local law enforcement

U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) plan to introduce legislation that would provide $15 billion in federal funds to subsidize the salaries of state and local law enforcement officers and to promote officer hiring and retention.

“… Rep. LaHood and I will introduce legislation on this issue in the House — to stand with and support law enforcement officers in Illinois and across the country,” Rep. Davis said on Sept. 17.

The congressmen will propose the David Dorn Back the Blue Act, which is named in honor of David Dorn, a retired St. Louis Police Department captain with 38 years of service who was killed on June 2 while protecting a friend’s store during rioting. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) on Sept. 9 introduced the original bill, S. 4543, in the U.S. Senate. 

“It’s disappointing that some politicians and big-city mayors have sought to undermine the ability of our law enforcement to protect and serve in recent months,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to join Congressman Rodney Davis to introduce the David Dorn Back the Blue Act because I see firsthand the sacrifices the men and women who button up the blue uniform make to keep Illinoisans safe.”

If enacted, the bill would authorize $15 billion through the U.S. Department of Justice to help state and local law enforcement departments increase hiring and provide pay raises. Funds would not be given to cities that defund their police, according to a bill summary provided by the congressmen’s offices.

Rep. Davis said that law enforcement officers “have a tough job, and we should be doing everything we can to support them. We should also reject calls from some Democrats who want to defund the police. It’s one of the most dangerous ideas I’ve ever heard.”

Rep. LaHood noted that when he was a federal prosecutor, he spent many hours with law enforcement officials who do heroic work. “To Illinois police officers: I support you and will always have your back in Congress,” he said.

The bill has garnered support from the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.