A concurrent resolution expressing support for America's law enforcement professionals.
- Bill Number
- S.Con.Res. 15
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-23: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-29T02:59:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 15) expresses Congress's strong support for law enforcement professionals in the United States. It recognizes their daily risks, contributions to public safety, and challenges, while honoring those who have died or been injured in the line of duty. The resolution aims to highlight the need for better resources and protections for officers without creating new laws.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses that provide context and facts about law enforcement, followed by four main resolved points:
- Appreciation for service: Congress expresses high respect and gratitude for the work of over 800,000 law enforcement officers who protect communities.
- Honoring sacrifices: It remembers and honors officers and their families who have faced death or injury while on duty, noting over 24,000 fallen officers since 1786 and more than 2,500 deaths in the past decade.
- Calls for safety measures: It urges actions to improve officer safety and well-being, including hiring more personnel, better training and equipment, stricter penalties for assaults on officers, and expanded mental health support (addressing issues like a 54% higher suicide rate among officers due to frequent traumatic events).
- Support from government: It calls on federal, state, and local governments to provide necessary funding, equipment, and resources to help officers combat crime and maintain public safety.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding concurrent resolution, meaning it does not amend or create new laws. It serves as an official statement of Congress's position and does not introduce enforceable changes to statutes, regulations, or policies.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May encourage federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to prioritize officer recruitment, training, and mental health programs, potentially influencing budget allocations or grant funding for policing.
- On citizens: Reinforces public appreciation for police, which could foster better community relations and support for anti-crime initiatives. It highlights declining officer numbers (a 5.3% drop from 2019-2021, or about 37,000 fewer officers), which might prompt discussions on community safety amid rising assaults (over 79,000 in 2023).
- On international relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses solely on domestic U.S. law enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law enforcement officers and their families: Directly benefited through recognition of their sacrifices and calls for improved support.
- Government entities: Congress, state/local police departments, and agencies responsible for training and funding (e.g., Department of Justice) are urged to act.
- Citizens and communities: Indirectly affected as safer, better-supported officers could enhance public protection and reduce crime.
- Bipartisan sponsors: Introduced by Senators from both parties (e.g., Cassidy, Britt, Lujan, Fetterman), indicating broad political backing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a concurrent resolution, it requires agreement from both the Senate and House but does not need presidential approval. It aligns with Congress's constitutional role in overseeing domestic policy but has no legal force, avoiding challenges to separation of powers.
- Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity on supporting law enforcement amid debates on policing reforms. It could influence public discourse, elections, or future legislation (e.g., on funding or penalties), while addressing concerns like officer shortages and rising violence without mandating action. The emphasis on public support across political lines underscores its role in building consensus on public safety.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-23: Held at the desk.
- 2025-06-23: Received in the House.
- 2025-06-23: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-06-18: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3478; text: CR S3477)
- 2025-06-18: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for America’s law enforcement professionals. — issued 2025-06-18 — PDF (3 pages)
- Expressing support for America’s law enforcement professionals. — issued 2025-06-18