Senate Passes Hero Bill As Pro-Police Agenda Gains Momentum

Cortez Masto, formerly Nevada’s top law enforcement officer, has long been active on policing issues. She’s a member of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus and has authored several bipartisan bills to combat law enforcement suicide and improve mental health resources—signed into law by presidents of both parties. She also authored the BADGES for Native Communities Act, aimed at helping the Bureau of Indian Affairs with recruitment and retention.

New York Democrat Rep. Dan Goldman praised the bill’s passage and urged swift House action.

“We have an obligation to care for those who pay the ultimate price while serving in the line of duty, even after they have retired,” Goldman said.

“At a time when partisan gridlock is grinding Congress to a halt, I’m encouraged that both parties came together to pass this commonsense legislation honoring our fallen heroes. I urge Republican leadership to bring this bill to the House Floor in September and ensure that any law enforcement officers killed or injured in the line of duty receive the benefits they deserve—regardless of retirement status,” he said.

The bill is just one of many that the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate is expected to vote on and pass after lawmakers just returned from the August recess, which many were upset about and wanted lawmakers to stay in Washington, D.C., and help pass President Trump’s agenda.