LEOSA, Officer Benefits, Wellness Among the Law Enforcement Bills Advancing During National Police Week
A slew of legislation to help the law enforcement community advanced during National Police Week, the annual event in which thousands of law enforcement officers and survivors came to the nation’s capital to remember fallen colleagues and honor those who are serving today.
Among the legislation that passed the House is the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA) (H.R. 2243) which passed by a 229-193 vote. The bill extends concealed carry rights for qualified law enforcement officers and retirees. Supporters say it will allow trained professionals to respond to emergencies if they happen in public places such as school zones and malls.
In addition, the House passed the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act (H.R. 2255) on a 234-182 vote. The bill would allow current and retired federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase retired firearms.
Passing the House overwhelmingly was the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2025 (H.R. 2240). The act requires the Attorney General to compile reports on violence against law enforcement officers and reports on whether wellness programs targeted to the law enforcement community are effective.
In addition to the above bills, the House passed resolutions honoring law enforcement, including the Supporting Local Law Enforcement Officers Act (H.Con.Res.30). The act reaffirms Congressional support for local law enforcement officers and departments, recognizes the tremendous sacrifice police take on to keep our communities and families safe, and honors the memories of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), who was shot and critically wounded during the congressional baseball game in 2017, spoke about how Capitol Police Officer David Bailey saved his life.
“I wouldn’t be here today, and probably about a dozen other Members of Congress wouldn’t be here today, if not for his bravery that I got to experience firsthand,” said Representative Scalise.
Senate Bills Advance
Over in the Senate, several bills advanced out of committee.
The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act (S. 911) passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously. The legislation would ensure that the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed because of their service are not unjustly denied benefits.
The Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis (STOIC Act) (S. 419) also advanced. It would establish suicide prevention programs and mental health services within law enforcement communities.
“I am proud that these key bipartisan bills were moved through committee this week, and I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass them into law,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), who cosponsored both pieces of legislation.
Democrats Prod Republicans Over January 6 Plaque
Meanwhile House Democrats urged Republicans to install a memorial to the officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the riot on January 6, 2021. The plaque was required by law to be placed on the West Front of the Capitol within a year of enactment, but so far that has not happened. It should have been there by March 2023.
“791 days have passed and this Republican Congress has refused to comply with the law. It’s time to honor those heroic officers. It’s unconscionable, it’s unpatriotic, it’s unfathomable, it’s unacceptable and it’s un-American, and you need to honor those officers and treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve,” said Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on the House floor.
There was no comment from the office of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on installing the plaque.
FLEOA Hails Passage of Bills, Updates on Reconciliation Bill
Meanwhile, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) hailed the passage of the bipartisan bills.
“Each of these bipartisan bills acknowledge the dedication and sacrifice of our officers and provide the tools they need to succeed,” said FLEOA President Mathew Silverman. “They address urgent challenges faced by federal officers – from mental health support and operational readiness to family benefits and workforce sustainability.”
FLEOA noted that it is also working hard to ensure that retirement benefits were not taken away from the law enforcement community in the budget reconciliation bill that is under consideration in the House.
The reconciliation bill also includes a provision that would no longer tax overtime earnings, a major priority for the law enforcement community.
“We work sometimes a hundred plus hours a pay period. It’s a lot of time taken away from the family. That would be pretty special,” said an unnamed officer in a White House video.