Houston Daily

Representatives Troy E. Nehls, Pete Stauber, Clay Higgins, and Gabe Evans have expressed their support for law enforcement through an op-ed in the Washington Reporter. The article outlines three legislative measures that the U.S. House of Representatives intends to pass during National Police Week to enhance the lives of law enforcement officers.

The representatives, who all have backgrounds in law enforcement, stated: “This National Police Week, our nation remembers those who bravely served our communities in uniform and who made the ultimate sacrifice upholding the law.” They criticized past actions by President Joe Biden and Democrats for allegedly endangering officers' lives but noted a change with President Donald Trump now in office.

The first proposed legislation is the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act. This bipartisan bill aims to improve data collection on attacks against police officers. In 2024 alone, there were 342 officer-involved shootings resulting in 50 fatalities. The bill seeks to address gaps in reporting such incidents.

Another measure is the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA), which would extend concealed carry privileges for qualified officers beyond current limitations. This reform is intended to allow trained professionals to respond swiftly to emergencies.

The third proposal is the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act. It allows federal officers in good standing to purchase retired firearms instead of having them destroyed, thereby reducing wasteful spending while enhancing community safety.

These initiatives have garnered support from several organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. Additionally, previous measures like the HALT Fentanyl Act and Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act have been enacted to further assist law enforcement efforts.

In their op-ed, the representatives emphasized: “House Republicans are working with President Trump to honor and protect those who put their lives on the line.”