[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

  Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, most Hoosiers wake up every morning and 
they see their children off to school or head to work without event, 
without an incident. They live in safety because a select few of their 
fellow citizens willingly forfeit their own safety.
  May 10 to 16 is National Police Week, and it is a useful reminder for 
all of us of what we owe our law enforcement, particularly our Indiana 
law enforcement officers, and what more we can do for them.
  You see, our police officers are the thin blue line between order and 
chaos. The men and women who wear the badge are our guardians of peace 
who willingly stand in the way of all sorts of threats to their 
communities and to our interests.
  Whether our ears are being destroyed by public disorder, our cars 
break down, our homes are invaded, when trouble comes, our law 
enforcement officers are not far behind. Too often, we appreciate them 
only when we need them, and that is why we have set aside this week to 
remember them, to honor them.
  Just as commonly, we overlook the grave danger they willingly face on 
our behalf. The hero's badge is a criminal's target. The National Law 
Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington, which carries the 
names of 24,000 police officers killed in the line of duty, reminds us 
of this sobering reality.
  Every year, additional names are added to these rolls. Around 100 
police officers die on the job annually, the majority as a result of 
violent and other serious crimes.
  In 2024, 85,730--think of that number--85,730 police officers were 
assaulted in the line of duty. This is dangerous work. Many of these 
incidents were ambush attacks, when criminals target police officers 
unexpectedly.
  According to the National Fraternal Order of Police, such incidents 
accounted for nearly 30 percent of officer shootings last year. These 
terrible sacrifices are why since 1962 Americans have honored our law 
enforcement personnel during the second week of May.
  National Police Week is an occasion to renew our unwavering support 
for law enforcement officers. It is an opportunity to recognize and 
give thanks for their unseen acts of heroism, to honor and remember 
those who have laid down their lives to protect others, and express our 
solemn appreciation to the loved ones of officers who made the ultimate 
sacrifice.
  Let's remember the families. Let's remember the families of these 
brave men and women and their sacrifices. And remembrance is important; 
so is gratitude. But these alone are not enough.
  Our police officers defend us, and we, in turn, can deter and punish 
those who would do them harm. That is why in the Senate, I am 
supporting the Protect and Serve Act. This legislation was introduced 
by my colleague Senator Tillis, and this bill would create a new 
category of crime for those who attack Federal, State, or local law 
enforcement officers.
  It would give Federal prosecutors more tools--more tools--to go after 
those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by making it a 
Federal crime to knowingly cause or attempt to cause bodily injury to a 
law enforcement officer.
  And under the bill, offenders would be subject to imprisonment for up 
to 10 years, a stiff penalty for a serious crime. An offender under 
this bill could receive a life sentence if a death results from the 
offense or the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or 
attempted murder.
  Yes, this legislation is tough, but we need to be tough. This 
legislation aligns with common sense. We need to better protect those 
who protect us, and Congress should move this bill this year.
  So whether they serve at the local, State, or Federal level, our law 
enforcement officers are the best and the bravest in our community. 
Laws mean little without men and women sworn to uphold them.
  So during National Police Week, let's reflect on how much we owe them 
and show our support for the men and women wearing the badge across 
Indiana and across America.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  The Senator from Kansas.

                          ____________________