Expressing support for America's law enforcement professionals.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 31
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-30T16:21:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 31) aims to express Congress's strong support for U.S. law enforcement professionals. It recognizes their daily risks, contributions to public safety, and challenges, while honoring fallen officers and calling for enhanced resources to support them. As a non-binding resolution, it seeks to build public and governmental consensus on the importance of law enforcement without enacting new laws.
Key Provisions
The resolution is structured around introductory "Whereas" clauses that provide factual context, followed by a "Resolved" section outlining Congress's positions:
- Background Context (Whereas Clauses):
- Highlights that over 800,000 officers risk their lives daily to protect communities.
- Notes the professionalism of officers, with most Americans viewing interactions positively.
- Credits law enforcement for reducing crime rates from 1990s highs through innovative efforts.
- Remembers over 24,000 fallen officers since 1786, memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
- Describes rising hostility: In 2023, over 79,000 officers were assaulted (highest in 10 years), 1,055 shot in three years, and 172 killed in the line of duty.
- Reports over 2,500 officer deaths in the past decade and high trauma exposure (400–600 events per career vs. 3–4 for average citizens), leading to a 54% higher suicide rate among officers.
- Points to a 5.3% drop in full-time state and local officers (about 37,000 fewer) from 2019–2021, straining community protection.
- Affirms broad public support for equipping officers with better tools, training, and funding to combat crime.
- Congressional Commitments (Resolved Section):
- (1) Expresses high respect and value for law enforcement professionals.
- (2) Appreciates their role in protecting and serving communities.
- (3) Honors officers and families affected by line-of-duty deaths or injuries.
- (4) Calls for measures to improve officer safety and well-being, including more personnel, better training and equipment, stricter penalties for assaults or killings of officers, and expanded mental health resources.
- (5) Urges all government levels (federal, state, local) to provide necessary support and resources to keep communities safe.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a concurrent resolution, which is a formal expression of Congress's opinion and does not amend, repeal, or create enforceable laws. It has no legal force and requires House and Senate approval but not presidential signature to be adopted.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Could encourage federal, state, and local governments to prioritize funding and policies for law enforcement recruitment, training, equipment, and mental health support, potentially influencing budget allocations or legislative agendas without mandating action.
- On Citizens: Reinforces public appreciation for police, may foster community trust, and highlights the need for safer streets by addressing officer shortages and rising assaults.
- On International Relations: Minimal to none, as the resolution focuses on domestic law enforcement.
Overall, impacts are primarily symbolic, aiming to shape public discourse and policy priorities rather than impose direct changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law Enforcement Professionals: Primary beneficiaries, including over 800,000 officers who gain formal congressional recognition of their sacrifices and calls for better support.
- Families of Officers: Honored for losses due to line-of-duty deaths or injuries, with emphasis on mental health resources.
- Government Entities: Federal (e.g., Congress, Department of Justice), state, and local agencies responsible for policing, recruitment, and funding.
- The Public: American communities served by law enforcement, who may see indirect benefits from improved officer safety and resources.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund or police unions, which align with the resolution's themes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No binding effects; it operates within Congress's power to express views under Article I of the U.S. Constitution but cannot compel action from other branches or governments.
- Constitutional: Aligns with free speech and resolution-making precedents; no challenges anticipated, as it avoids mandating spending or policy without appropriation (per the Appropriations Clause).
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan intent (introduced by a group of Republican representatives but references broad public support across the political spectrum). It could signal congressional priorities on public safety amid debates on policing reforms, potentially influencing elections or future legislation like funding bills, without partisan controversy in its text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3], Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-05-13: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-13: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for America’s law enforcement professionals. — issued 2025-05-13 — PDF (3 pages)