Senate Passes Hero Bill As Pro-Police Agenda Gains Momentum
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, a bipartisan measure ensuring that families of retired law enforcement officers killed in retaliation for their service are no longer denied federal benefits. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The legislation was introduced by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). It honors the late Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean War veteran and career law enforcement officer who served 55 years in uniform before retiring in 2009 as police chief in Tompkinsville, Kentucky.
On August 28, 2012, Chief Proffitt was murdered in his driveway by a criminal he had arrested a decade earlier. Despite the fact that his killing was deemed direct retaliation for his police service, his family was denied benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program because he had retired.
“Even though his murder was a direct retaliation for his service in uniform, Chief Proffitt’s family was denied the benefits they deserved simply because he had already retired,” Cortez Masto said on the Senate floor. “To me, that is unacceptable. And I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree.”
While the Senate approved the Proffitt Act and the Improving Police CARE Act, five other pro-law enforcement bills were blocked. The failed measures included protections against secondary exposure to dangerous substances, reauthorization of mental health support programs for first responders, strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children initiatives, incentives for recruits to serve in their own communities, and funding to help local departments hire retired officers for civilian tasks.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), chairman of the Judiciary Committee, blamed Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) for obstructing the bills, accusing him of holding law enforcement hostage to push more funding for sanctuary cities that defy federal immigration law.
Cortez Masto, a former Nevada attorney general and longtime advocate for police, has authored several bipartisan laws to improve officer wellness and combat law enforcement suicide. She also wrote the BADGES for Native Communities Act, aimed at helping the Bureau of Indian Affairs recruit and retain officers.
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) praised the Senate’s action, saying: “We have an obligation to care for those who pay the ultimate price while serving in the line of duty, even after they have retired.” He urged Republican House leadership to move the measure quickly in September.
The passage of the Proffitt Act is part of a broader push by the Republican-controlled Senate to advance pro-law enforcement and public safety priorities as Congress returns from the August recess. President Donald Trump has urged lawmakers to remain in Washington rather than delay his America First agenda.