Heller, Cornyn Introduce Back the Blue Act

Press Release

U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Back the Blue Act, legislation that would increase the penalties for criminals who intentionally target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves. The bill is also designed to expand opportunities to use grant funding to promote trust and improve relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The Back the Blue Act strengthens laws to protect police officers, creating a new federal crime for killing, attempting to kill, conspiring to kill, or assaulting a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. It also creates a new federal crime for interstate flight from justice to avoid prosecution for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. Additionally, it expands self-defense and second amendment rights for law enforcement officers.

"Nevada's law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to protect our communities and keep us safe. While there is nothing that we can do to bring back those who have died in the line of duty, I'm committed to doing everything I can at the federal level to try to prevent it from happening to one more officer and one more family," said Heller. "The Back the Blue Act increases penalties for killing law enforcement officials and ensures justice for anyone who purposely targets law enforcement. I'll continue to support Nevada's law enforcement community and stand up for those who sacrifice so much for us."

"Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve families across Texas. Violent criminals who deliberately target those who protect and serve our communities should face swift and tough penalties and the Back the Blue Act sends that clear message. Every day, and particularly during National Police Week, we must give the men and women in blue our unparalleled support," said Cornyn.

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), David Perdue (R-GA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Luther Strange (R-AL) also cosponsored the legislation.

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