Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has urged the Senate to pass a series of bills intended to support law enforcement officers and enhance public safety. The legislative package, which was blocked by Senate Democrats, included measures for better protection against hazardous substances, mental health services for police, improved tools to combat internet crimes against children, expanded recruitment programs, and provisions allowing retired federal officers to assist local agencies.

The proposed bills were as follows: S. 180 would allocate Department of Justice funds for training and equipment to protect first responders from exposure to dangerous substances like fentanyl; S. 419 would extend support and treatment programs for officers in crisis through 2029; S. 539 aimed to modernize the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program; S. 1316 would allow COPS grant funds for recruits who commit to serve in their communities; and S. 1563 would enable hiring retired federal officers with technical expertise using COPS grants.

During his remarks on the Senate floor, Schmitt said: "I rise today to request unanimous consent to call up and pass this year’s Police Week bills."

He continued: "These bills are bipartisan. They are common-sensical. And most importantly — particularly in light of recent events — they would give this chamber the chance to demonstrate its commitment to the men and women who wear the badge, and to the laws they serve to protect."

Schmitt criticized what he described as increasing challenges faced by law enforcement both from criminal activity on city streets and from political opposition within government institutions.

"This is not a time to mince words or blur lines," Schmitt stated. "This is a time to speak clearly — with full moral force."

He also referenced national trends such as violence following the George Floyd protests in 2020 and ongoing unrest attributed by him to groups like ANTIFA.

"It is not the product of 'social conditions', or inequality, or systemic this-or-that," he said. "It is the inevitable result of a civilization that has lost its moral nerve."

Highlighting specific policy needs addressed by each bill, Schmitt emphasized officer safety regarding fentanyl exposure, access to mental health resources—citing suicide rates among police—and efforts targeting online child exploitation.

"Every single year, more officers die by suicide than they do in the line of duty," Schmitt noted. "That is a profound policy failure — one that it is on us to fix."

Concluding his speech, Schmitt called on fellow lawmakers: "If you stand on the side of justice and our first responders, these votes should be simple — and easy."