During National Police Week, we pause to recognize and thank our police and law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. These heroes dedicate their careers to public safety and make incredible sacrifices to keep our families safe. Of course, showing our appreciation for these humble and committed men and women extends throughout the entire year, and especially during holidays when we can safely gather with friends and family because of their sacrifice. In Congress, I will always back the blue and support our fellow Iowans who answered the call to serve.

In honor of National Police Week, I supported, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, several pieces of legislation to protect law enforcement from heinous criminals and give our police forces the resources and tools that they need to do their jobs efficiently and effectively.

First, I voted for a congressional resolution to express my unwavering support for our men and women in law enforcement and recognize the invaluable contributions that these heroes make to our communities. I also backed a bill to ensure that – when police and law enforcement officers retire – they do not lose their right to concealed carry. These privileges help keep our families and communities safe by allowing qualified and trained law enforcement professionals to respond to violent crimes and other threats. Our laws should help retired police and law enforcement promote public safety and wellbeing – not needlessly inhibit these priorities. I further voted to let police and law enforcement officers purchase retired firearms at fair market value if they wish. Again, this is just another way that we can defend our communities from criminals at a moment’s notice.

Additionally, I supported legislation requiring the U.S. Attorney General to furnish reports on violent attacks against police and law enforcement officers. On May 12, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released its “Officers Killed and Assaulted in the Line of Duty, 2024 Special Report,” which revealed that law enforcement agencies reported nearly 86,000 assaults on law enforcement officials in 2024, with 64 feloniously killed in the line of duty. These statistics represent an increase from 2023, when 79,000 officer assaults were reported and 60 officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty. Criminals who deliberately attack police and law enforcement officers must be punished and held accountable for their actions. Our society must have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to assaulting police and law enforcement. One way that we can help protect the men and women who protect our communities is by gathering information on attacks against law enforcement. By fully understanding the facts, we can better defend law enforcement from vicious criminals and threats to their lives.

In years past, I have voted for legislation to condemn radical calls to defund the police, deport illegal immigrants who attack law enforcement officers, and create federal penalties for criminals who intentionally target, harm, and attack police and law enforcement officials. I also supported the Invest to Protect Act, which would fund targeted efforts to recruit and retain law enforcement officials at local police departments, provide officer training, and increase access to mental health resources. To be eligible for this funding, law enforcement agencies must employ fewer than 125 officers, which includes more than 95% of the nation’s police departments.

When it comes to backing our police and law enforcement, I will never waver. I will continue to advocate fiercely for the brave men and women who protect our families and defend our communities, never expecting praise or recognition in return.

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Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth District in the U.S. House.