Citizen Lobby Week Participation Guide: Deep Dive Version
Welcome to the deep dive version of the National Police Week citizen lobby guide. It includes:
Details about the bills we’re lobbying for.
Talking points so you can speak to your lawmakers with confidence.
A script you can use if you plan to call or meet with your lawmakers in person.
Check Out Our Primer Page
It includes:
A handy spreadsheet of the bills we’re focused on.
Information about the event and our coalition.
Four ways to lobby your federal lawmakers.
Ideas for spreading the word about this event.
Find the primer page here.
With that, let’s dig in.
Key Bills We’re Focused on for Police Week
Qualified Immunity Act of 2025 (S. 122 / H.R. 503)
What it does: Codifies existing qualified immunity protections into law.
Introduced by: Sen Jim Banks (IN) in the Senate and Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-05) in the House.
Talking points:
The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized and upheld the Qualified Immunity Doctrine since 1967.
Qualified immunity is not the same as blanket immunity. It generally protects officers from frivolous civil lawsuits. An officer who violates a citizen’s constitutional rights or acts unlawfully faces criminal accountability under the law.
Police officers can’t protect the public effectively if they fear financial ruin for performing their work lawfully and constitutionally. This bill ensures that officers can perform their work without concern of politically motivated lawsuits.
Police Officer Self-Defense Protection Act (Drafted Bill)
What it does: Provides federal protection for officers who use justified force in self-defense when facing a credible threat.
Introduced by: This bill was drafted by the National Police Association. We are seeking a federal sponsor.
Talking points:
There is a rise in rogue prosecutors who criminally charge police officers who use justified force when facing a credible threat.
Officers are finding themselves vulnerable to criminal prosecutions based on split-second decisions they need to make. This scenario places both officers and civilians at increased risk.
Fear of wrongful prosecution is a key factor driving experienced officers out of policing and impeding recruitment efforts. Understaffed police departments contribute to an increase in violent crime and the disintegration of communities across the nation.
Officers who use justified force -in alignment with the U.S. Constitution and their training- because of a reasonable belief that they or others are in immediate danger, should not be criminally prosecuted.
Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 (S. 825)
What it does: Mandates the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to propose a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) -and acute stress disorder- treatment program for police officers and other first responders, similar to what’s provided to U.S. military members.
Introduced by: Sen Chuck Grassley (IA)
Talking points:
PTSD is estimated to occur at least two to four times more often in the law enforcement community than in the general population. These numbers may be even higher due to underreporting.
PTSD is a debilitating disease that can affect any officer. It can result in substance abuse issues, feelings of hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide.
Police officers place everything on the line to protect and serve. They deserve ready access to the most effective treatments available in their time of need.
Protect and Serve Act (S. 167 / H.R. 1551)
What it does: Creates a new federal crime for knowingly targeting a federal, state, or local police officer with violence. The sentence is up to 10 years in prison or a potential life term for killing or attempting to kill an officer. Note: As the bill stands now, there would need to be a federal link for Federal prosecutors to intervene and the U.S. Attorney General would need to certify that the state or local government unit doesn’t have jurisdiction or that it has requested federal jurisdiction. Or it must be shown that federal oversight would somehow be in the best interest of the public.
Introduced by: Sen. Thomas Tillis (NC) in the Senate and Rep. John Rutherford (FL-05) in the House.
Talking Points:
This bill was drafted in response to the rise in violence targeting law enforcement officers. The number of officers shot has increased by 60% since 2018, per the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). This doesn’t take into account the record number of officers being assaulted in other ways, including being stabbed, kicked, punched, intentionally struck by cars, and assaulted with projectiles and chemical weaponry each year. This data is recorded in the Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) database, published by the FBI.
It would serve as a deterrent and send a resounding message that attacks on officers of the law will not be tolerated.
Thin Blue Line Act (S. 83 / H.R. 378)
What it does: Expands federal death penalty eligibility for the murder or attempted murder of a state or local police officer.
Introduced by: Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) in the Senate and Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16) in the House.
Talking points:
Similar to the Protect and Serve Act, this bill was drafted in response to the rise in violence targeting officers (see above).
Currently, murdering a Federal officer qualifies as an aggravating factor, which can be used to recommend the death penalty. This bill would extend this protection to state and local officers in a Federal case.
Sample Script (If Calling or Meeting with Your Federal Lawmakers in Person)
Feel free to use this script in its entirety or as a guide. You’ll likely speak with a staff person. Please refer to the Key Bills section above for additional talking points.
Hello, My name is (your name) and I’m a constituent of Senator or Representative (name of your lawmaker). I’m calling because I’m very concerned about the attacks that continue to be waged on law enforcement.
A record number of officers have been physically assaulted, per FBI data. Politicians attempt to limit or eradicate their qualified immunity protections. Meanwhile, rogue district attorneys prosecute them for using justified force.
This years-long ideological war on police has catapulted a staffing shortage, the loosening of hiring standards, officer burnout and demoralization. These factors are consistent with a crime wave that has claimed innocent lives and contributed to the disintegration of communities across the country.
(Note: This article explains that crime is not down).
I urge you to co-sponsor key bills to help mitigate this damage. These include:
The Qualified Immunity Act (S. 122 / H.R. 503), which would codify existing qualified immunity protections into law.
The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 (S. 825) would require the U.S. Department of Justice to propose a PTSD treatment program for police officers and other first responders, similar to what’s provided to U.S. military members.
The Protect and Serve Act (S. 167 / H.R. 1551), which would create a new federal crime for knowingly targeting a federal, state, or local police officer with violence.
The Thin Blue Line Act (S. 83 / H.R. 378), which would expand federal death penalty eligibility for the murder or attempted murder of a state or local police officer.
Also, please consider introducing the Police Officer Self-Defense Protection Act, which would provide federal protections for an officer who uses justified force when targeted with a credible threat.
I’m urging (name of lawmaker) to stand with the men and women of law enforcement, and to be a champion for public safety by supporting these critical bills. Would you please ask Senator / Representative (your lawmaker’s name) to send me a response?
Thank you.
Please reach out with any questions. My team and I are here to help!
The climate at the federal level is optimal for getting solid bills passed this legislative session. This is our moment. Let’s get this done!
Thanks for reading and for supporting the men and women of law enforcement.
For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.