NAPO on the Hill: NDAA

NAPO continues to work to pass our priority legislation that has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by any path possible, including as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). We worked with bill sponsors and the Senate Judiciary Committee to submit five amendments to the Senate’s Fiscal 2027 NDAA:

• The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Expansion Act, offered by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). This bill, which is a top priority for NAPO, would make vital changes to the PSOB Program to increase transparency and accountability and ensure the Program honors and supports officers and their families who have sacrificed so much in service to their communities.
• The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Act, offered by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) as part of a larger bipartisan Judiciary Committee amendment. This bill, another NAPO priority, would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop treatment programs for police, fire, emergency medical and 911 personnel who suffer from PTSD or acute stress disorders. By recognizing the prevalence of PTSD within the public safety profession and the need to address PTSD and acute stress disorder among officers, this bill would help make certain they get the treatment and help they need.
• The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act, offered by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), would make it easier for federal prosecutors to prove carjacking offenses.
• The Strong Communities Act, offered by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), would allow for COPS Hiring Program funds to be used to pay for local law enforcement recruits to attend schools or academies if the recruits agree to serve in the communities in which they live.
• The Combating Xylazine Act, offered by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) as part of a large bipartisan Senate Judiciary Committee crime-related amendment, would classify xylazine as a Schedule III drug, invoking penalties on those who choose to illegally use and distribute the drug.

Senate Democrats blocked consideration of the FY27 NDAA on July 14 due to their opposition to the renewed war with Iran. This is a must-pass bill, and it is unclear when the Senate will try to take up the bill again, but it does not look like it will be before they adjourn for their month-long recess on August 6. NAPO will use this time to continue to build bipartisan support for the inclusion of our amendments in the NDAA.

Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Nomination Hearing for Todd Blanche to be Attorney General

On July 15 and 16, the Senate Judiciary Committee held the nomination hearing for current Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to be the next Attorney General of the United States. NAPO endorses Mr. Blanche’s nomination and we sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee urging the Committee to support and approve his nomination that was read into the hearing record by Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA).

Throughout his distinguished career in both public service and the private sector, Mr. Blanche has proven his commitment to the rule of law and a fair and impartial justice system. As Deputy Attorney General and, later, Acting Attorney General, he has built a strong partnership with the law enforcement community. From supporting the Department of Justice’s law enforcement assistance grant programs to working to ensure accountability within the Public Safety Officers Benefits (PSOB) Program, he has consistently endeavored to meet the needs of state and local law enforcement officers and their families.

The Committee will next hold a vote to approve his nomination and assuming he is approved, the nomination will move to the full Senate for a vote. Cabinet nominees are not subject to the filibuster and only need a simple majority vote to be confirmed.

NAPO Backs Deputy Darren Almendarez Act

NAPO pledged our support for the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, a bipartisan effort to crack down on catalytic converter theft, to be introduced by Congressmen Brandon Gill (R-TX) and Lou Correa (D-CA). The legislation would make it a federal crime to knowingly possess, purchase, or sell a catalytic converter that has been unlawfully removed from a motor vehicle when the conduct affects interstate or foreign commerce.

Violators would be subject to fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to five years, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. It would protect legitimate activities by exempting vehicle owners or lessees removing converters from their own vehicles; manufacturers, dealers, and repair facilities acting within their official duties; and licensed and regulated recycling entities, salvage yards, law enforcement, educational programs, and other specified organizations.

The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act would provide federal, state, and local law enforcement an important tool to combat criminal enterprises trafficking in stolen catalytic converters in our communities and would serve as a significant deterrent to prevent these thefts.

The legislation is named in honor of Harris County, Texas, Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez, who was shot and killed while off duty when he attempted to stop three men who were stealing a catalytic converter, and is modeled after a Texas state law of the same name.

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