Hawkeye Reporter

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) sought unanimous consent on the Senate floor for seven bipartisan law enforcement bills that had previously cleared the Judiciary Committee with a unanimous voice vote in May during Police Week.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), also a member of the committee, objected to passing the full package, aiming to press for federal funding to sanctuary cities that do not comply with federal immigration law. Booker had not raised objections during the committee process but blocked five of the bills during floor consideration.

Following Booker's objection, Cortez Masto requested unanimous passage for two specific bills: the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act and the Improving Police CARE Act. These were allowed to proceed, while five other bills remained blocked.

The measures that did not advance include:

- The Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act, designed to shield officers and first responders from accidental contact with dangerous substances.

- The Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act, intended to address staffing shortages in law enforcement.

- The Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act, which would expand mental health resources for officers.

- The Strong Communities Act, focused on recruitment and retention within police departments.

- The PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act, supporting state and local agencies in combating online child sexual exploitation.

Grassley spoke about recent threats facing law enforcement nationwide. "Law enforcement [officers] across the country put their lives on the line every day," he said. He cited a reported 830 percent increase in assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers this month, including incidents involving projectiles thrown at agents resulting in injuries and property damage.

Grassley also noted instances where agents' personal information was posted online leading to increased threats against them and their families. He referenced testimony from Special Agent Matthew Allen of the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Office regarding surveillance by cartel members and losses suffered among his colleagues.

He further mentioned an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer who was shot in New York City during an attempted robbery by a previously deported individual; according to Grassley, "Thankfully, the officer is expected to survive."

Data from the Fraternal Order of Police indicates that as of June 30, 2025, 166 officers had been shot in the line of duty this year—21 fatally—which is fewer than last year’s figures.

Grassley highlighted bipartisan efforts with Senator Durbin earlier this year to honor 234 officers recognized as having died in the line of duty—a resolution passed with over 80 cosponsors.

"We worked together across the aisle to report these seven bipartisan bills out of committee on Police Week," Grassley said. "The seven bills are part of the largest Police Week Package in over 15 years."

He described how these proposals address recruitment challenges, protection from fentanyl exposure, provision of equipment for police work, support for first responders’ families, and expanded mental health resources.

"Simply stated, these bills strengthen our law enforcement community to help keep our citizens safe," Grassley concluded. "It’s time to send these bills to the House and then to President Trump." He added: "Each helps law enforcement and first responders across our country. These folks are true heroes, and they deserve our strong support."