Washington, D.C. – During National Police Week, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) spoke on the U.S. House floor and announced his support for several bipartisan bills that will protect law enforcement officers, improve public safety, and ensure local police departments have the tools and training they need to best serve their communities.
“These bills send a clear message: I stand with those who wear the badge. We must keep our communities safe and that means supporting the law enforcement professionals who do that work,” said Vindman. “We need to do all we can to make sure every officer has the resources, training, and support they need to do their job safely, effectively, and return home to their families at the end of every shift.”
Congressman Vindman cosponsored the following legislative efforts:
- The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would crack down on organized retail crime by expanding federal penalties for large-scale theft and resale operations, including making it easier to prosecute money laundering and seize illegal profits. It also creates a coordination center at the Department of Homeland Security to lead enforcement efforts. This legislation is led in the U.S. House by Congressman John Joyce (Pa.-13).
- The Public Safety Free Speech Act would guarantee that public safety officers, including firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, and police officers, are not disciplined for speaking out about their concerns with job-related issues, such as staffing, wages, and safety protections. This legislation is led in the U.S. House by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (N.J.-02).
- The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and first responders who pass away from cancer caused by carcinogenic exposure during their service. This legislation is led in the U.S. House by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (Pa.-05).
- The Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act would make it a federal crime to knowingly make false reports that trigger emergency responses — like swatting — by falsely claiming a crime or safety threat. This legislation is led in the U.S. House by Congressman David Kustoff (Tenn.-08).
- The Protect and Serve Act of 2025 would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Specifically, it creates a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment for someone who attacks and willfully injures an officer and a penalty of life in prison for someone who kills or kidnaps an officer. This legislation is led in the U.S. House by Congressman James Rutherford (Fla.-05).
- The Postal Police Reform Act would remove certain restrictions on U.S. Postal Service (USPS) police officers to investigate criminal matters related to the USPS and postal mail. This legislation is led in the U.S. House by Congressman Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.-02).
- The National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act would support grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. These grants would help fund programs that honor fallen officers, improve officer safety and wellness, educate the public about law enforcement, and strengthen relationships between officers and the communities they serve. This legislation is led in the U.S. House by Congressman Troy Nehls (Tex.-22).
Vindman thanks law enforcement across Virginia on the U.S. House floor.
On the House floor this week, Vindman also delivered remarks honoring the bravery of officers in Spotsylvania County and the City of Fredericksburg who responded to a mass shooting in early April that left three people dead and several others wounded.
“When tragedy struck in Spotsylvania, our officers didn’t hesitate. They ran toward danger to protect their neighbors,” said Vindman. “Their courage reflects the very best of public service.”
National Police Week is held each May to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across the country. Vindman emphasized that continued investment in officer safety, department resources, and community trust is key to keeping Virginia families and neighborhoods safe.
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