Hawkeye Reporter

Major law enforcement organizations have expressed support for provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill, recently released by the Senate Judiciary Committee under Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). These organizations represent more than 310,000 officers across the country and say the bill will boost efforts to protect national security and public safety.

The National Association of Police Organizations highlighted the role of state and local officers in dealing with non-citizen offenders and immigration violators. According to their statement: “It is state and local law enforcement officers who, during the course of daily patrols and duties, will encounter non-citizen offenders and immigration violators who pose a threat to national security or public safety. The Senate Judiciary Committee title of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on immigration and law enforcement grants state and local law enforcement the necessary resources and latitude to work with their federal partners and pursue investigations relating to violent crimes, human smuggling, and gang and drug activity. These partnerships and investigations are essential to keeping our nation’s communities safe by getting dangerous criminal aliens off our streets.”

The Major County Sheriffs of America noted that the package includes $10 billion in assistance for state and local agencies. Their statement reads: “The Major County Sheriffs of America appreciates the Senate budget reconciliation package's inclusion of $10 billion in state and local assistance. The package strengthens vital partnerships through Operation Stonegarden and enhances our ability to locate and apprehend criminal aliens, investigate trafficking and gang activity and support court operations and detention facilities. Importantly, it continues investment in COPS and Byrne JAG programs, essential for hiring and equipping officers while enhancing local law enforcement capacity. These provisions demonstrate strong federal commitment to supporting sheriffs and the communities we serve.”

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association commended Senator Grassley’s leadership amid current challenges such as border security concerns and fentanyl issues. They stated: “Senator Grassley continues to demonstrate strong leadership and unwavering support for our federal law enforcement professionals. At a time when our nation faces serious challenges – from border security to the fentanyl crisis – his commitment to public safety and to those who serve on the front lines is deeply appreciated. We stand with Senator Grassley and all leaders who prioritize the recruitment and retention of top talent in law enforcement, and we urge Congress to take further action to support these dedicated individuals.”

The National Council of Prison Locals 33 also voiced its approval: “On behalf of the 30,000 federal correctional employees represented by the Council of Prison Locals 33, I am writing to express our strong support for the provisions contained in the Senate Reconciliation Bill… We applaud the work of Senator Grassley and his staff for seeing the importance of these provisions and much needed increase to funding for staffing and infrastructure, and are hopeful others will follow his lead.”