WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 35 of their Senate Republican colleagues to introduce the Back the Blue Act. The legislation would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement – creating a new federal crime for killing, attempting to kill or conspiring to kill a federal law enforcement officer, federally funded public safety officer or federal judge – and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.

“Criminals who feel emboldened to attack the courageous men and women protecting and serving their fellow Americans must be held accountable,” said Boozman. “This bill does just that by strengthening and enforcing the legal penalties they face after targeting law enforcement officers with violence. I am proud to show my support for officers in Arkansas and across our country.”

“Our law enforcement officers bravely risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and anyone who targets them should be met with the full force of the law, including the death penalty,” Cornyn said. “America was built on the principles of law and order, and this legislation sends a clear message that targeted attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated, dangerous criminals will be held accountable and our men and women in blue have our full and unwavering support.” 

The legislation is supported by Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Barrasso (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

The Back the Blue Act is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition and the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies. 

Text of the bill is available here.