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Golden Announces Cosponsorship of Protect and Serve Act

October 5, 2020

Bill would increase penalties for targeting law enforcement officers with violence

Maine Fraternal Order of Police: "The Protect and Serve Act… is exactly what's needed by today's law enforcement officers."

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today his cosponsorship of H.R. 1325, the Protect and Serve Act. The legislation would help address the dangerous trend of armed attacks on police officers by creating federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence.

"Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way to serve our communities every day, " Golden said. "We must protect those who work to protect us, and ensure that there are serious consequences for anyone who would choose to do them harm. I'm proud to support this bipartisan legislation."

"The Maine Fraternal Order of Police fully supports such strong legislation as outlined in H.R. 1325. The Protect and Serve Act cosponsored by Representative Golden is exactly what's needed by today's law enforcement officers. Acts like this motivate our police officers to persevere, improve, and strive to forge meaningful connections in our communities by showing us we are appreciated and valued." — Matt Nadeau, President, Maine Fraternal Order of Police

"It has been my honor to lead caring & courageous men & women in the field of law enforcement for more than 25 years. No professional burden has ever weighed more heavily on me than ensuring their safety. I applaud the sponsors of this bill for recognizing that an attack on a peace officer is an attack on society itself; and by this bill, making available serious consequences that reflect that reality." — Darrell Crandall, Retired Sheriff of Aroostook County

Although the Protect and Serve Act passed the House in 2018, it was never brought to the floor for consideration in the Senate. It has since been reintroduced and has 54 bipartisan cosponsors.

Throughout his time in office, Golden has worked to support law enforcement and ensure they have the resources they need. In July, he helped introduce a bill that would withhold federal funding from cities and municipalities that fully defund their police departments. He has cosponsored legislation to protect Social Security benefits for police officers and voted to pass the Justice in Policing Act, which would increase the amount of funding available to police departments and provide additional training to law enforcement officers. In the Maine State House, Golden passed a law to make it easier for law enforcement officers and first responders to qualify for workers' compensation due to PTSD.