U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) on Jan. 28 proposed a bipartisan bill that would authorize $6 million annually for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund over seven fiscal years.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act, S. 3719, which Sen. Tillis sponsored alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would fund the efforts at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Museum campus in Washington, D.C., to maintain and enhance education and outreach programs, according to the bill’s text.
“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve our full support,” Sen. Tillis said. “This bipartisan legislation honors the sacrifice of fallen officers while strengthening officer safety, wellness, and public education through the National Law Enforcement Museum and Memorial.
“I’m proud to stand with our law enforcement officers to ensure these vital programs continue and grow,” added the senator.
The legislation would support initiatives to memorialize and honor law enforcement officers, collect and analyze data on law enforcement fatalities and injuries, increase public understanding of and support for law enforcement, enhance officer safety and wellness, and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“Our bipartisan measure brings law enforcement closer to the communities they serve,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “By investing in programs that support community outreach and honoring the service of fallen officers, our legislation fosters stronger bonds between law enforcement and the public.”
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund endorsed the bill, which is also supported by numerous entities, including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Motorola Solutions, Verizon, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs’ Associations, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, among many others.