From May 11 to May 17, our nation joined together in honoring the tremendous work our nation’s police officers do to keep us safe. Wherever I go in southeast Missouri, I always see and hear such tremendous things about the work our officers do to keep us safe.

On May 12, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program released its data on officers killed and assaulted during 2024, and it was a grim picture. In 2024, 64 officers were killed by criminals in the line of duty – the same elevated rate we have seen for the last 3 years. But officer assaults skyrocketed by more than 6,000 last year, to 85,730 – marking the highest officer assault rate in the last 10 years. There has never been a more important time to thank a police officer for the job they do.

Missouri has its share of heroes who deserve our remembrance. We remember Bonne Terre Officer Lane Evans, who was killed in 2022. Officer David Lee of the St. Louis Metropolitan PD was killed last year by a drunk driver. Independence Officer Cody Allen was killed while responding to a shooting, and Osage Beach Officer Phylicia Carson was killed in a car crash pursuing a criminal. There are countless other officers who have given their lives for public safety.

When President Trump talks about bringing back common sense, there is no issue where he means it more than on crime. The Left spent Joe Biden’s time in office trying to fool people into believing that their agenda to defund the police and to allow criminal illegal aliens to remain free was not to blame for the spike in violent crime. But the American people are not fooled; they can see how radical prosecutors who chose to put criminals ahead of public safety helped cause the crime spree that took place over the last few years. They could see how the decision to keep dangerous illegal immigrants in our country made things more dangerous for everyone, including our law enforcement.

That is why President Trump prioritized securing the border as one of his first actions when returning to the White House. The first piece of legislation that President Trump signed into law – which I proudly voted for in the House – was the Laken Riley Act, which mandates that illegal immigrants who assault a police officer or commit theft get detained and deported. Additionally, on April 28, President Trump signed an Executive Order that directs the Attorney General to help provide legal resources for officers facing unjust legal expenses resulting from their official duties and to maximize the use of federal resources to strengthen legal protections for officers and seek tougher sentences for crimes against officers. Earlier this week, I also voted for the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act, which will require the Attorney General to explore how to get officers wellness resources and protective equipment to make those on the front lines safer. There is no question that as anti-police activists have targeted police, it has taken a toll on the officers and their families. We need to ensure every available resource is given to help Back the Blue. This week – and every week – I am so grateful for our nation’s police officers, and I join in saying “Thank You” to the men and women who protect us.