Hinson's Legislation to Support Law Enforcement Passes the House

Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Hinson (R-IA-02) released the following statement on House passage of the bipartisan, bicameral Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act. She helped introduce this legislation in March 2024 alongside Reps. Dan Bishop (R-NC-08), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), and Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28).

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Anti-police rhetoric has fueled a corresponding rise in violence against law enforcement officers, not only putting them in physical danger, but negatively impacting their mental health. Brave law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the country put their lives on the line to protect our communities. They always have our backs, and this bill will ensure we fully have theirs as well. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort and will continue to back the blue amid growing disrespect for law enforcement."  - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson 

Background: 
In 2023, 378 officers were shot in the line of duty. Throughout the year, there were also 115 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement. Collecting accurate data regarding violent attacks, including ambushes, on police officers is vital. Additionally, police often suffer assaults and other violent offenses that go unrecorded. Anti-police rhetoric and violence negatively impact officers’ mental health and wellness.

The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act supports law enforcement officers by:

• Increasing the categories of information that can be voluntarily reported regarding anti-police attacks, including the intention and coordination of perpetrators;
• Directing the Justice Department to explore adding escalatory aggression to its reports;
• Shedding light on the mental health and stress-related impacts of aggressive activity or trauma on law enforcement; and 
• Exploring the availability and extent to which mental health resources for officers are used.

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