West Coast Law Enforcement Coalition Advocacy

Members of PORAC’s Board of Directors, the Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs (WACOPS), and the Oregon Coalition of Police & Sheriffs (ORCOPS) traveled to Washington, D.C. in May for National Police Week. During the week, the group participated in more than fifty meetings with national law enforcement and labor organizations, executive branch officials, members of Congress and their staff, and staff from key congressional committees. Coalition members also took part in a range of Police Week events including the Police Unity Tour Ride-In and Ceremony and the Candlelight Vigil, among others — making full use of their time in the nation’s capital.

At each meeting, they discussed the recruitment and retention challenges and ways to help alleviate them, such as closing the Medicare coverage gap, expanding access to child care, and helping with home ownership. They also shared their experiences with drones and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for law enforcement input in policymaking. The unique nature of policing on the West Coast was a common theme throughout, with members describing the on-the-ground realities in California, Washington, and Oregon.

This fly-in generated new connections, strengthened existing relationships, and delivered actionable next steps for advancing member priorities.

Legislative Movement

This month, Congress and the White House made significant headway on several bills endorsed by PORAC.

First, the Monitor Accountability Act (H.R. 8365), which would make common-sense changes to the consent decree process, passed the House with bipartisan support. A long-time champion of the issue, PORAC applauded this step forward and is prepared to continue advocating for reform. The House also passed the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (H.R. 2853 / S. 1404), which would enhance the federal response to organized retail theft. Both bills have now moved to the Senate.

The Congressional Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate House Democrats, officially endorsed several of PORAC’s top-priority bills, the HELPER Act of 2025 (H.R. 2094 / S. 978), the Protect and Serve Act of 2025 (H.R. 1551 / S. 167), and the Invest to Protect Act of 2025 (H.R. 2711 / S. 768). Their support adds to the swell of positive momentum around these bills and their efforts to improve housing access, penalize attacks on officers, and support small police departments.

The Senate also unanimously passed the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497 / S. 3765). The bill would create a new presidential award to honor law enforcement officers and other first responders killed in the line of duty. A little over two weeks later, President Trump signed it into law—carrying this important legislation across the finish line and into the implementation process.

In addition, the Senate Judiciary Committee favorably reported a package of six bills, including two that PORAC has endorsed—the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Act of 2025 (S. 825) and the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program Expansion Act of 2026 (S. 3897 / H.R. 7718). These bills would develop treatments for first responders suffering from PTSD and help address backlogs in the PSOB program, providing critical support for officers and their families. They now await consideration by the full Senate.

With this meaningful progress on PORAC’s priorities, the Steptoe team is excited to build on the momentum from Police Week and finish the 119th session strong.