Grassley Recognizes Law Enforcement Ahead of National Appreciation Day
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa recognized the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers nationwide during floor remarks Thursday ahead of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, observed Friday, Jan. 9.
Grassley said officers deserve gratitude year-round, but especially on the national day of recognition, encouraging Iowans to thank law enforcement when they encounter them.
“Three hundred and sixty-five days a year, but especially tomorrow, we offer our gratitude to our country’s men and women in blue,” Grassley said. “When you meet one of them you should say, ‘Thank you for keeping the peace.’”
Grassley pointed to declining crime rates as evidence of law enforcement’s impact, citing a 12% drop in violent crime nationwide and a 20% decrease in murders in major cities. He also highlighted record seizures of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin, crediting officers for keeping those substances off the streets.
“I am proud to back the blue and grateful for their work to maintain the peace,” Grassley said.
As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley said he has continued to support law enforcement efforts in Iowa and across the country. He noted his work with Senate Republicans and the White House on the Working Families Tax Cuts law, which he said provided historic funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and COPS programs, along with additional resources to combat drug trafficking.
Grassley also highlighted four bipartisan bills passed by the Judiciary Committee during Police Week in May that later became law through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation expands federal support for law enforcement and their families and strengthens efforts to combat online child exploitation.
In addition, Grassley said the NDAA expanded counter-drone authorities for state and local law enforcement agencies using bipartisan language he helped develop with Michigan’s senior U.S. senator.
Grassley said he looks forward to continuing bipartisan efforts to support police officers in the year ahead.
“We’re very fortunate that this type of legislation is mostly bipartisan in Congress,” he said.
Grassley closed his remarks by thanking officers who serve their communities.
“To all those who have selflessly answered the call to keep our communities safe, I say thank you,” Grassley said. “May God bless you and may God protect you as you go about your work protecting the American people.”
