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On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall joined fellow Republicans to introduce the Back the Blue Act, led by Senator John Cornyn. The bill is designed to strengthen protections for law enforcement officers and provide them with new tools to stay safe. It creates tougher federal penalties for anyone who kills or tries to kill a law enforcement officer or judge, including life in prison or the death penalty, and imposes stricter punishments for assaults on officers.

“Any assault on our law enforcement officers is an assault on the safety and stability of every American community,” said Sen. Marshall. “The Back the Blue Act makes it unmistakably clear that those who target officers will face serious consequences. We are committed to giving law enforcement the protections they deserve and the tools they need to return home safely.”

The legislation also clarifies that murder or attempted murder of an officer is an aggravating factor in federal death penalty cases. In addition, it limits appeals and civil claims for criminals who harm officers during crimes, while expanding officers’ self-defense rights by allowing them to carry firearms in certain federal areas where guns are normally restricted. Overall, the bill aims to make law enforcement safer and hold attackers accountable.