Supporting our police, law enforcement and border guards | News, sports, jobs

From May 12-18, we celebrated National Police Week in honor of our police and law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and communities safe. These men and women are heroes who deserve our deepest recognition and strongest support for their commitment to protecting and serving the people of Iowa. During my 36-county tour, I had the privilege of meeting our law enforcement agencies to personally thank them for all they do – without ever expecting recognition or praise in return. They know the meaning of service and sacrifice.

During my time in Congress, I vowed to support Blue 100%, and I’m happy to say that I have introduced and supported legislation that delivers on that promise.

In the last Congress, I voted for the Invest to Protect Act to help local and rural police departments recruit, retain and train police officers. This legislation applies to law enforcement agencies with fewer than 125 officers, which make up more than 95% of our nation’s police and sheriff’s departments. Born and raised in rural Iowa, I know that we must fully fund our police force and ensure our men and women in blue have the resources and tools they need to do their jobs and protect our families.

In 2021, 586 police officers were killed in the line of duty – the deadliest year on record. Tragically, 2022 and 2023 continued to see a devastating number of police officers killed while serving our communities. In 2022 we lost 224 officers and in 2023 we lost 137 officers, including Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram, who was senselessly murdered on the job. I believe that criminals who intentionally attack police and law enforcement officers must be punished to the fullest extent of the law. That’s why last year I helped introduce the Protect and Serve Act, which would provide federal penalties for criminals who intentionally assault and assault police and law enforcement officers. This disgusting behavior can never be tolerated and must be punished appropriately.

I also recently voted to detain and deport illegal immigrants who attack Border Patrol agents and to require the Attorney General to provide Congress with a report on the impact of President Biden’s open borders policies on our law enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents. In addition to these votes, I also supported legislation requiring the attorney general to release a comprehensive report on violent attacks on law enforcement and voted for a congressional resolution condemning radical efforts to defund police.

Our police and law enforcement officers make unseen and immeasurable sacrifices to keep our families and communities safe. They are truly incredible Americans. As a strong supporter of our law enforcement community, I will always oppose radical efforts to defund the police and will continue to stand with our men and women in blue.

We are the government together and your thoughts and opinions are important to me. Please contact my office at Feenstra.House.Gov or by phone at 202-225-4426 if I can ever help you. I am proud to represent our families, farmers, main street businesses and rural communities in Congress.

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Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth District in the U.S. House of Representatives.