Supporting law enforcement will always be a priority

By Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

In every city and small town across Iowa and America, law enforcement officers put on the badge each day not knowing what challenges they might face. They do it anyway—not for recognition or reward—but because they believe in keeping us safe. That commitment deserves more than thanks. It demands action.

As a member of Congress, an Army veteran, and someone who proudly represents communities with deep respect for law and order, I will always stand with our police. That means voting for real solutions to the problems they face and ensuring they have the tools, training, and support to do their jobs safely.

That’s why I proudly supported two important bills that recently passed the House:

The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act – This bill requires better tracking of violent attacks against officers so we can improve safety and mental health resources. It’s common sense: we can’t fix what we don’t measure.

The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act – This bill allows federal law enforcement officers to purchase their retired service weapons, saving taxpayers money and ensuring the people trained to use these tools maintain access to them.

These aren’t flashy headlines. They’re serious, practical steps to back the men and women who back us every single day. We owe our officers more than lip service—we owe them action.

I’ve met with officers from across Iowa, and I’ve heard the same message over and over again: they love their communities and want to keep doing this job. But they need Congress to have their backs.

In Washington, I’ll keep fighting for them—because law and order shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s an American value. And those who uphold it deserve leaders who won’t flinch when it matters.