Peace Officers Research Association of California

Federal Advocacy

February Fly-In Recap and Congressional Advocacy

February Fly-In

PORAC’s recent trip to Washington, D.C. offered valuable opportunities to share the unique perspectives, needs, and experiences of California peace officers at the federal level. During the first week of February, PORAC board members participated in 37 congressional meetings to advocate for legislative priorities and hear from Members of Congress about their federal initiatives.

Discussions covered several PORAC-priority bills, including the FORCE Act (H.R. 6157), HELPER Act (S. 978 / H.R. 2094), Invest to Protect Act (S. 768 / H.R. 2711), LEOSA Reform Act (S. 679 / H.R. 2243), SROs Act (S. 3189 / H.R. 6120), DRONE Act (H.R. 1058), Combating Illicit Xylazine Act (S. 545 / H.R. 1266), and the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act of 2025 (S. 2337 / H.R. 3304), among others.

Presenting these priority bills to members and staff allowed PORAC to explain challenges in the law enforcement profession, encourage greater law enforcement input in policymaking, and identify areas for collaboration. These meetings helped strengthen relationships and position PORAC to play an active role in national public safety discussions, starting the year on strong footing.

Law Enforcement Bills Pass House

The House advanced two notable law enforcement-related bills this month. The first, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO-2) and endorsed by PORAC, aims to stabilize the Crime Victims Fund by redirecting unobligated funds from federal civil rights lawsuits under the False Claims Act. This new revenue source will support victim services organizations and ensure stable funding for these critical resources.

The second, the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 (H.R. 3497), introduced by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL-21), directs the President to award a Medal of Sacrifice to law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty, honoring their ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

PORAC will continue to monitor developments as these bills move through the Senate.