North Austin News

Austin, Texas - Congressman Michael McCaul, along with several other members of Congress, has cosponsored the bipartisan National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act. The bill aims to support and enhance programs of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) that recognize the sacrifices, valor, and mission of law enforcement in society. It also seeks to educate children and communities about the importance of law enforcement.

"As a former federal prosecutor, I have the utmost respect for our law enforcement. They are some of our nation's bravest heroes, putting their lives on the line daily to protect the American people, and it's important we have programs that allow our children to see that," said Rep. McCaul. "I'm honored to join this bill in support of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, as the importance of instilling an understanding toward and respect for our law enforcement at an early age cannot be understated."

The bill has garnered support from other representatives, including Rep. Troy Nehls, who served in law enforcement for nearly 30 years. Rep. Nehls emphasized the need to pay tribute and honor the courageous law enforcement officials who uphold law and order in society. He stated, "Attacks on our law enforcement officers are at an all-time high... Now, more than ever, we must bring public awareness to our brave law enforcement officers. I will always back the blue."

Rep. Jimmy Panetta, another cosponsor of the bill, highlighted the importance of honoring the bravery and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty. He emphasized the need to bring the public and law enforcement closer together through memorialization, commemoration, and community outreach. Rep. Panetta stated, "It's appropriate to introduce this legislation during National Police Week, however, every day we must continue to recognize the service of our law enforcement officers and always remember the officers who fell serving and striving to make our streets safer."

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and National Law Enforcement Museum expressed their appreciation for the bipartisan support shown by Congressman Nehls and Congressman Panetta. Marcia Ferranto, the CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, highlighted the impact of the programs they administer in saving lives and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. She stated, "This bipartisan bill will not only ensure that these programs continue but that they are expanded with a truly national reach and impact. This bill will also ensure that limited federal resources are invested in proven programs that will save police lives, make communities safer, and strengthen law enforcement."

The bill, if passed, would establish a formal program within the United States Department of Justice to support and enhance community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs of the NLEOMF. It would also focus on memorializing and honoring law enforcement, compiling data on fatalities and injuries, and increasing public understanding of law enforcement's role in society. The NLEOMF includes both the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Museum.

The bill has received support from various organizations, including COPS, DuPont, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, and Verizon.

To fund the bill, it proposes taking $6 million per year from the "Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative," which was funded at $50 million in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022.

The full text of the bill can be found on the official website.

To find out more, go to this link: https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mccaul-joins-bill-honor-and-support-law-enforcement