Sioux City Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 3, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) cosponsored legislation – the Protect and Serve Act of 2023 – that would create federal penalties for criminals who intentionally target, harm, and attack law enforcement officers. 

“Criminals who intentionally target and attack police and law enforcement officers must be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to support the Protect and Serve Act to protect those who wear the badge and put their lives on the line to protect our families and communities. As a strong advocate in Congress for our law enforcement officers, I will always back the blue 100%.” 

According to the Fraternal Order of Police, 331 police officers were shot in the line of duty last year – 62 of whom died from their wounds. Compared to 2020, our police departments have experienced a 32% increase in officers killed by gunfire.

Last Congress, Feenstra voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Invest to Protect Act, which funds targeted efforts to recruit and retain law enforcement officers at local and rural police departments with fewer than 125 officers. Police departments with fewer than 125 officers account for over 95% of the nation’s police departments.

Original source can be found here.