WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Dr. Neal Dunn (FL-02) voted in support of the “Thin Blue Line Act,” which will make the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or first responder an “aggravating factor” in death penalty determinations. The legislation passed the House 271 to 143.

“Every day, law enforcement officers across the country put on their uniforms and carry out their duties to protect and serve. They have our backs, let’s have theirs,” said Dr. Dunn. “The Thin Blue Line Act will ensure that those who commit crimes against our law enforcement will be held accountable and seek justice for those murdered in the line of duty.” 

The “Thin Blue Line Act” is supported by a number of national law enforcement organizations, including the National Association of Police Officers, National Fraternal Order of Police, Major Counties Sheriffs of America, and the American Federation of Government Employees.

The House passed several bills this week to support law enforcement, including the “Honoring Hometown Heroes Act,” which will permit the American flag to be flown at half-staff when a police officer, firefighter, or first responder is killed in the line of duty. The “American Law Enforcement Heroes Act of 2017” will prioritize the hiring of veterans through the COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) Hiring Program (CHP), while the “Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act of 2017” will increase cyber security training for state and local law enforcement.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to those who protect law and order,” Dr. Dunn said. “The series of legislation we’ve passed this week honors their sacrifices and gives them new tools to do their jobs.” 

Yesterday, Dr. Dunn spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 115, the Thin Blue Line Act.

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