Bacon Revives Bill to Protect Federal Law Enforcement

Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon is renewing his push to protect those who serve on the front lines of public safety. This week, Bacon reintroduced the “Back the Blue” Act, a bill designed to increase penalties for anyone who targets and kills federal law enforcement officers, United States judges, or federally funded public safety personnel.

To discuss the legislation and why it matters now, Bacon hosted a roundtable with several law enforcement leaders in Omaha. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Papillion Police Department, and retired officers gathered to share their perspectives and concerns. The Omaha Police Officer Association hosted the event.

Bacon said recent years have shown a troubling rise in violence against police and federal officials. “What we saw over the last five years were multiple incidents of police being targeted,” he explained. “That’s what I’m trying to get to.”

Under the bill, individuals who intentionally kill a federal law enforcement officer, U.S. judge, or federally funded public safety officer would face a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison and could also be subject to the death penalty. Bacon emphasized that this harsh penalty is intended as a deterrent. “If you kill a cop and you say you intentionally did so, I think you should be eligible for capital punishment,” he said. “It’s a deterrent, is what we want people to know.”

Originally introduced in 2023, the bill broadens protections to include U.S. judges and federally funded public safety officers (such as firefighters, chaplains, and ambulance crews), contains provisions expanding federal officers’ authority to carry firearms into certain federal facilities, and limits habeas relief for state‑court convictions involving murder or attempted murder of judges or public safety officers.

Patrick Dempsey, president of the Omaha Police Officer Association, voiced his support. He thanked Bacon for championing legislation that puts the safety of law enforcement first. “In a day and age where attacks on police seem to be on the rise, this is necessary legislation to protect our federal partners who do the same job we do daily,” Dempsey said.

Bacon noted the bill was inspired by the wave of demonstrations and violence following the 2020 death of George Floyd. Even years later, he said, the threat to federal law enforcement remains high, and he believes this legislation is still urgently needed to send a clear message: attacking those who protect the public will carry the highest consequences.