U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and several Republican senators have introduced the Back the Blue Act, a bill designed to increase penalties for those who commit crimes against law enforcement officers and provide additional resources for officer protection. The introduction follows a shooting in October that resulted in the death of Iberville Parish Deputy Charles Riley and injuries to Captain Brett Stassi Jr.
“Americans in Blue deserve our support. Let’s do everything we can to protect Louisiana’s law enforcement from violent criminals and targeted attacks,” said Dr. Cassidy.
Senator Cassidy was joined by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Barrasso (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Todd Young (R-IN), James Lankford (R-OK), Thom Tillis (N-NC* correction: NC* ), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).
The Back the Blue Act is supported by multiple police organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.
