Senate Passes Hero Bill Honoring Fallen Officers as President Trump’s Pro-Police Agenda Accelerates

The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan bill reaffirming the nation’s support for law enforcement families—part of a broader resurgence of President Donald Trump’s pro-police agenda now gaining renewed energy on Capitol Hill.

The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, named after a Kentucky police chief slain in the line of duty, was approved unanimously and now heads to the House of Representatives. The measure ensures that the families of retired law enforcement officers killed in retaliation for their service are no longer denied federal benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program.

Chief Proffitt, a Korean War veteran and 55-year police officer, was murdered in 2012 by a man he had arrested a decade earlier. Despite the attack being ruled an act of retaliation, his family was denied compensation simply because he had already 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,” Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) said on the Senate floor. “To me, that is unacceptable. And I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree.”

A Step Forward in Restoring Respect for Law Enforcement

The bill was co-sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, underscoring the growing bipartisan recognition that America’s law enforcement families deserve better protection and respect.

However, the legislation was initially part of a larger package of seven pro-police measures championed by Cortez Masto. Only two bills made it through the Senate — the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act and the Improving Police CARE Act — both seen as important victories for first responders.

The remaining five were blocked by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), according to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Grassley accused Booker of stalling the bills “in an effort to force federal dollars to sanctuary cities that blatantly violate federal immigration law.”

Among those blocked were:

• The Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act, designed to provide training and resources to protect officers from toxic substances.
• The Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025, to expand mental health assistance for police and emergency personnel.
• The PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act of 2025, aimed at modernizing the fight against online child exploitation.
• The Strong Communities Act of 2025, which would encourage officers to serve within their own communities.
• The Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act, which would employ retired officers in civilian policing roles.

Trump’s Law-and-Order Vision Reshaping Congress

The Senate’s passage of the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act marks another step in advancing President Trump’s law-and-order priorities. The President has repeatedly called on lawmakers to support those who “stand between order and chaos,” urging Congress to fast-track bills that reinforce justice, accountability, and security across the nation.

While some Democrats continue to resist these measures, several have expressed support for this specific reform. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) applauded the Senate vote, 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 added, “At a time when partisan gridlock is grinding Congress to a halt, I’m encouraged that both parties came together to pass this commonsense legislation honoring our fallen heroes.”

Pro-Police Momentum Builds in Republican-Led Senate

The vote comes as the Republican-controlled Senate returns from the August recess with renewed determination to push through key elements of President Trump’s agenda—especially on crime, border enforcement, and restoring respect for the badge. Many lawmakers, echoing the sentiments of law enforcement unions nationwide, have criticized the idea of taking long breaks while the country faces rising crime and public safety challenges.

The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act now moves to the House, where Republicans are expected to ensure its swift passage. For millions of Americans who still believe in law, order, and justice—this bill represents more than legislation. It’s a promise that those who risk their lives to protect others will never be forgotten.