Senators Coons, Shaheen, Democratic Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Safeguard the Integrity of Future Country Human Rights Reports

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the Safeguarding the Integrity of Human Rights Reports Act, which would ensure that the Department of State’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights remain robust and free from political influence. This legislation would require the Department to continue to report on critical human rights issues, including the rights of women, government corruption, restrictions on participation in the political process, censorship online and violence or discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities and indigenous people, among others.

“The horrors of the world will not simply disappear because the Trump administration refuses to report them,” said Senator Coons. “I’m proud to sponsor this resolution because in order to combat terrorism and bad actors, to predict where attacks may come from or wars may break out, we have to understand the conditions in other nations – and that includes how they’re treating their people.”

“Maintaining the veracity and integrity of the Human Rights Reports is critical to preserving its international credibility and holding human rights violators accountable,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “Omitting key information for political interests undermines the integrity of the entire report. We must continue to shine a light on human rights abuses wherever they persist. That’s why we introduced the Safeguarding the Integrity of Human Rights Reports Act to ensure future Country Human Right Reports remain credible and independent.”

“For decades, the State Department’s Human Rights Reports have provided critical insight into human rights conditions in countries around the world and have helped inform American foreign policy. The Trump Administration’s actions to water down and politicize these reports undermine their very purpose and damage the credibility of the Department itself. This legislation would require the Administration to reverse course and ensure the legitimacy and independence of these reports,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“U.S. policy and leadership on human rights is rooted in American values and helps create a more just world, which in turn provides dividends to our national security interests and the safety and prosperity of Americans,” said Senator Booker. “The State Department’s annual country reports on Human Rights Practices are vital to these efforts, and any decision to erase, ignore, or politicize state-sponsored human rights abuses or the experiences of marginalized communities undermines American values, credibility, and leadership. This legislation will ensure these human rights reports remain factual, comprehensive, and free from political interference.”

“Standing up for human rights has to remain a core part of U.S. foreign policy, no matter who’s in the White House,” said Senator Merkley. “As the Trump Administration tries to erase key issues from the State Department’s human rights reports, this bill pushes back and promotes accountability and transparency in advancing this critical work.”

“The State Department’s annual human rights reports provide critical information about human rights and the security, political, and economic stability of countries around the world, many of which receive U.S. security assistance,” said Senator Kaine. “The Trump Administration’s attempts to politicize these reports by leaving out topics, such as women’s rights or corruption, betrays our values and makes us less safe. This legislation is important to maintaining the credibility of these reports and the United States’ decades-long efforts to promote human rights abroad.”

“These reports encourage countries to improve their human rights records, and there’s no reason to give up that leverage,” said Senator Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Our bill requires the State Department to produce thorough reports, including on key issues of censorship and corruption, which undermine U.S. interests and make us less secure.”

“The Human Rights Report is an essential tool to document human rights abuses and bring those responsible to justice. Erasing information on critical human rights issues from this report–including the rights of women and government corruption–won’t erase the abuses. It will just serve to further endanger the health and welfare of some of the world’s most vulnerable people, and further a culture of lawlessness in countries where impunity is the norm. It’s another example of the Trump Administration’s efforts to weaken transparency and accountability on every front,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Senator Shaheen on this bill to maintain the integrity of the Human Rights Report and ensure human rights violators are held accountable for their crimes.”

The Safeguarding the Integrity of Human Rights Reports Act would mandate reporting on:

Discrimination against women in access to maternal and reproductive health

Restrictions on freedom of expression, Internet freedom, or access to information

Arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy

Restrictions on political participation or the ability of citizens to elect public representatives through free and fair elections
Government corruption and its impacts on human rights
Discrimination or violence against women and girls, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, or LGBTQI+ persons

Full text of the Safeguarding the Integrity of Human Rights Reports Act can be found here.

ICYMI: Ranking Member Coons, Chairman McConnell lay out vision for military funding bill in Washington Post op-ed

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the subcommittee’s chairman, published an op-ed in the Washington Post this morning celebrating yesterday’s bipartisan passage out of the Senate Appropriations Committee of their defense spending bill for the next fiscal year, and laying out their vision for ensuring that our military is ready to stand toe-to-toe with our adversaries around the world.

The Trump administration has struggled to adequately fund the nation’s military, forcing the Defense Department to be funded by continuing resolution for the first time in history and then politicizing defense spending through a one-time funding influx as part of the reconciliation bill. Department of Defense leaders raised concerns with Senators Coons and McConnell that these decisions left critical priorities underfunded.

Yesterday’s appropriations bill was a major step in the right direction that provides troops a 3.8% pay raise and directs funding towards some of our military’s largest needs, from drone warfare to shipbuilding to expanding production capacity so we can swiftly replenish critical munitions needs. It also makes critical investments to stand with our allies and partners, including restoring funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

After the bill’s sizable 26-3 passage out of committee yesterday, Senators Coons and McConnell are urging their Senate colleagues to swiftly take up and pass the full bill.

From the Washington Post: Opinion: How to ensure America is ready for the next war

Investment in the U.S. military is lacking. Our bipartisan defense spending bill can help.

On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved our bill that would invest $852 billion in national defense over the next fiscal year by a decisive 26-3 vote. It would restore aid to Ukraine, boost assistance to our European and Pacific allies, and go beyond the president’s budget request (and the funding approved by our counterparts in the House) to modernize the U.S. military and defense industrial base to meet tomorrow’s threats. This bill is an urgently needed step in the right direction.

…

This year, the Pentagon has had to meet payrolls, train forces, procure weapons and sustain operations with funds based on estimates made more than a year ago. That’s because, for the first time ever, Congress and the administration funded our military through a continuing resolution at spending levels set in 2023 instead of passing an updated budget. This was a tremendous missed opportunity to make serious, full-year investments in readiness, modernization and industrial capacity, and it has already had enormous consequences.

…

Our effort this year won’t be enough to close the gaps with our adversaries’ sustained investments. Expanding shipyard and munitions capacity, deepening stocks of critical weapons, adopting new technologies, and recruiting and retaining service members and a skilled civilian workforce will all require increased funding. Meeting the urgent needs of a military adapting to renewed major-power competition will take growing annual commitments.

…

Finally, we recognize the enormous dividends of investing in allies and partners. Our measure will help our friends — from the Baltic states to the Global South, the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East — build more capable forces, buy U.S.-made weapons and technologies, increase collective deterrence, and keep more U.S. service members out of harm’s way. Prevailing in any future fight will also draw on the lessons we continue to learn from Ukraine, a place the Army secretary rightly calls “the Silicon Valley of warfare.” Abandoning partners at the cutting edge of modern warfare would be strategic self-harm. That’s why our bill would restore funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative as well as programs like it that make America safer.

Senators Coons, Warren Statement on Trump Administration Ending Direct File

WASHINGTON – Following Trump IRS Commissioner Billy Long reportedly confirming that Direct File is “gone,” U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement:

“President Trump’s tax policy makes life richer for billionaires and harder for just about everyone else. The Trump administration ending Direct File will make filing taxes more expensive and more difficult for Americans. It’s no secret why this administration went after a free, easy-to-use tax filing program: it threatens the tax prep industry’s bottom line. The Trump administration just handed a massive gift to the giant tax prep companies that spent millions lobbying to kill Direct File.

“Filing your taxes should be easy and free, and Congress should step in to protect and expand Direct File.”

Ranking Member Coons secures key wins for Delaware in Defense appropriations bill

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chris Coons (D-Del.) celebrated the passage of the fiscal year 2026 Defense Appropriations bill out of the Appropriations Committee. The bill provides over $852 billion in support for our nation’s armed services, defense, and military readiness, including support for programs with significant impacts in Delaware and the region. Funding for programs with high impacts up and down the state include:

$1.5 billion to support C-130J aircraft procurement by the National Guard, including the Delaware Air Guard.
Nearly $619 million to support the continued production of CH-47 helicopters at the Boeing Ridley Park Facility.
$350 million to support the National Guard Reserve Equipment Account (NGREA), which provides critical equipment to the National Guard and Reserve forces operating in Delaware.
$30 million to support the United Service Organizations (USO), which plays a vital role in supporting military families and assisting the families of fallen troops, including at Dover Air Force Base.
Nearly $408 million to support PFAS remediation projects, which protect the environment and critical infrastructure like drinking water from dangerous PFAS chemicals in Delaware.
$50 million to support the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, which supports at-risk high school students in developing life skills, leadership, and discipline through a rigorous, months-long mentorship and education program.
$42.5 million to support the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), which has nearly 400 volunteers across Delaware who support state agencies and local populations, including during natural disasters.
$130 million to support the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which strengthens civilian infrastructure used by military installations or operations.
$31 million to support the APEX Accelerators Program, which supports Delaware’s small businesses in navigating the contracting process with the Department of Defense.

Senators Coons, Tillis, colleagues introduce framework to combat foreign online piracy, protect American copyright holders

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced a discussion draft of the Block Bad Electronic Art and Recording Distributors (Block BEARD) Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would allow copyright owners who have had their property stolen to seek U.S. federal court action in order to block dedicated foreign online piracy operations from making that stolen content available to American households.

“Foreign websites pirating American movies, TV shows, art, and books steal tens of billions of dollars from the U.S. economy each year,” said Senator Coons. “This costs our creative community hundreds of thousands of jobs. Today, the United States takes an important step to join the many other nations around the world that have begun to crack down on foreign IP theft. This bipartisan legislation will give Americans the tools they need to protect their intellectual property rights, while ensuring the internet remains a vibrant forum for free speech. I look forward to working with my colleagues and with stakeholders on all sides of this issue to advance this much-needed bill.”

“Foreign piracy sites are stealing from American creators, threatening good-paying jobs, and exposing U.S. consumers to real online harms via malware, identity theft, and the like,” said Senator Tillis. “The Block BEARD Act gives us a smart, targeted tool to stop these criminal operations at the source without infringing on legitimate speech or due process. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan discussion to protect our creative economy and digital security and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House to address this important matter.”

“Tennessee’s thriving creative community must be protected from the theft of creative works by foreign criminals,” said Senator Blackburn. “Foreign piracy operations jeopardize the American creative industry through phishing, identity theft, and financial fraud, and the Block BEARD Act would protect creators by enabling them to pursue legal action in U.S. federal courts against these criminals.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort to protect creators and consumers alike from foreign criminal enterprises seeking to steal our intellectual property and exploit Americans,” said Senator Schiff. “As Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and a steadfast advocate for the creative community, I understand that robust protections are essential for innovation and economic growth in the digital age. This commonsense approach will provide the courts with the tools they need to combat foreign piracy operations and help level the playing field for American artists and creators who deserve to be fairly compensated for their work.”

“We are grateful to Senators Tillis, Coons, Blackburn, and Schiff for their leadership in crafting a carefully tailored proposal that empowers US federal courts to protect consumers, rightsholders, and markets from large scale foreign piracy while preserving the protections contained in the DMCA,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO, Recording Industry Association of America. “Similar tools have been proven effective around the world over the last ten years with no harm to speech, Internet infrastructure or security, or participation online, and we strongly support this effort to create a simple, effective, judicial remedy with due process in the U.S.”

“Piracy steals hundreds of thousands of jobs from the film and television industry, drains billions from the U.S. economy, and puts millions of American consumers at risk – and the Block BEARD Act will provide us with a safe and effective way to counter this danger and combat large-scale copyright infringement,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Association. “With bold leadership from Senators Tillis, Coons, Blackburn, and Schiff, the Block BEARD Act will equip our nation with a tool that’s worked in dozens of countries worldwide: a narrow, targeted means to fight the worst forms of foreign piracy while protecting free speech and the rule of law.”

The Block BEARD Act would empower copyright owners to seek U.S. federal court orders against foreign websites dedicated to digital piracy, preventing them from making stolen content accessible to American households. To obtain relief, copyright holders must present evidence of specific harm and demonstrate the criminal nature of the targeted site. Courts could then direct internet service providers block access to the identified sites, while granting those providers immunity from liability, including for claims related to the petitioner’s actions. The legislation includes strong public interest safeguards to protect free expression, due process, and legitimate online services operating in compliance with U.S. law. This targeted legal tool mirrors successful approaches used in over 50 democratic countries to curb foreign piracy operations that undermine creative industry jobs and expose users to malware, identity theft, and fraud.

You can read the full text of the draft here.

Ranking Member Coons statement on SAC-D markup

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense (SAC-D), issued the following statement after the Senate Appropriations Committee marked up and passed the SAC-D bill out of committee by a vote of 26-3:

“Our nation faces critical and pressing national security challenges, from China and Russia to cyberattacks and drone warfare. In the face of those dangers, the Trump administration has focused on fighting culture wars instead of deterring real wars, forcing our military to be funded by its first continuing resolution in its history and dragging their feet with a delayed and error-filled budget process for fiscal year 2026. We cannot prepare for tomorrow’s battles with yesterday’s funding plans.

“This administration may not take funding our military seriously, but it’s clear that the Senate still does. Today’s successful markup shows a strong, bipartisan commitment to funding a military that stands with Ukraine and our allies, that deters Chinese and Russian aggression, that modernizes our defense based on lessons we’re learning in Ukraine, and that better supports our servicemembers and military families. From investing in shipbuilding to expanding our munitions production capacity to fill critical shortages, this bill is responsive to what our nation’s military leaders and combatant commands have directly told us they need.

“I’m proud to have worked with Chairman McConnell to look to the future and advance a bipartisan defense appropriations bill. I urge my Senate colleagues to swiftly take up and pass our bill to reassert our constitutional authority over the appropriations process and ensure our military is equipped to face the challenges of this decade and beyond. I also encourage them to support the rest of the appropriations process so we can ensure that our nation’s soft power matches our hard power. If we spend less on diplomacy and development, we will have to spend more on ammunition.”

Ranking Members Coons and Reed, McCollum and Smith call on President Trump to stop diverting defense funds to domestic immigration enforcement

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of Senate Armed Services Committee Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), and Ranking Member of House Armed Services Committee Adam Smith (D-Wash.) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth urging him to stop diverting military funds to support immigration enforcement operations usually handled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The letter raises concerns about the Department of Defense’s (DOD) recent request to transfer funds from the Navy’s Working Capital Fund to cover non-reimbursable support for DHS’s immigration enforcement and removal operations. The proposed diversion is part of a DOD pattern of diverting funds to DHS-related efforts in ways that could weaken military readiness and make the United States less prepared to fight the wars of tomorrow.

“Since January 2025, DOD has chosen to provide more than $838 million in non-reimbursable DOD support to DHS. Those transfers come at a cost; a dollar spent on immigration enforcement is a dollar unavailable to prepare and equip our troops,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers highlighted that President Donald Trump’s recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes $1 billion for DOD and more than $170 billion for DHS, making the additional funding of immigration enforcement unnecessary.

“With the funds now available to DHS, there is no need to continue non-reimbursable support to DHS, and the work of domestic immigration enforcement can and must be returned to DHS. Deploying military personnel for these tasks does not build lethality and risks politicizing those forces,” the lawmakers wrote.

They conclude by urging DOD leadership to focus on the department’s core mission of military readiness and supporting our men and women in uniform.

You can read the full letter here.

Senator Coons statement on Joint Resolution of Disapproval vote

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after voting against two joint Resolutions of Disapproval over U.S. arms sales to Israel:

“This week, I joined a statement by 44 Senate Democrats that forcefully called on the Trump administration to compel Prime Minister Netanyahu to provide urgently needed humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and to negotiate a ceasefire that would bring home the hostages held by Hamas and end the conflict in Gaza. Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, and it continues to hold hostages and to conduct attacks against Israel. I will always stand for Israel’s right to self-defense and for clarity that Hamas started and has sustained this conflict at enormous human cost. The Netanyahu government has also sharply limited humanitarian aid, causing widespread hunger and suffering. It has only recently restarted access for food and water to avert starvation in Gaza. It’s critical that Israel urgently continue to expand its efforts to facilitate relief and that trusted aid partners like UNICEF, World Central Kitchen, and the World Food Program be allowed full access to feed and care for Palestinian civilians.

“It’s important that our caucus speak with a united voice in order to be effective. These resolutions do not bring us closer to their stated goals. Instead, they renege on our promise of support to our ally Israel and risk a fragile but expanding aid apparatus. I remain committed to finding a lasting peace in the region. Now, more than ever, we must push all parties to agree to a ceasefire and hostage release and begin on the road to rebuilding and reconciliation.”

Senators Coons, Schmitt, colleagues introduce bipartisan bill reauthorizing the construction of a memorial honoring commitment and service of EMS members

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced a bipartisan bill to extend the deadline for the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring the nation’s EMS professionals. This extension is necessary to ensure EMS personnel, who have dedicated their career to providing life-saving care, receive long-overdue recognition in the nation’s capital. The bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).

“Every day, emergency medical technicians are the first line of support when lives in their communities are in danger, sometimes throwing themselves into dangerous and deadly situations to begin treatment,” said Senator Coons. “These first responders deserve to be commemorated in our nation’s capital, and I’ll continue to work to ensure that the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial is completed. This bipartisan bill would mean that EMS organizations have the time they need to build a memorial worthy of them, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it into law.”

“EMTs and paramedics in Missouri, and across the United States, work tirelessly during emergencies, often putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives. Thanks to this legislation, our emergency medical service providers will have a well-deserved national memorial that reminds the public of their commitment to service and honors those who have died in the line-of-duty,” said Senator Schmitt.

“Every single day, emergency medical services first responders are saving lives throughout the nation,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this effort to create a memorial to recognize the heroic Americans who are first on the scene, providing medical care in our communities.”

“As a doctor, I have seen the tight coordination of EMS first responders making sure that someone who has a problem outside the hospital survives and gets well once more. They deserve to be honored with a permanent tribute in our nation’s capital,” said Dr. Cassidy.

“EMS workers put their lives on the line every single day to protect families and save lives,” said Senator Warren. “We owe them our deep respect and thanks for their selfless service.”

“Wyoming’s EMS professionals commit themselves to delivering critical, life-saving services throughout our rural state, frequently facing personal danger,” said Senator Lummis. “This bipartisan bill extends the deadline for establishing a National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C., ensuring these courageous individuals receive the long overdue recognition they deserve in our nation’s capital. I look forward to the opportunity to visit this memorial and honor their extraordinary service someday.”

A companion bill in the House of Representatives is led by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.). The bill is endorsed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), the American Ambulance Association (AAA), and the International Association of EMS Chiefs (IAEMSC).

“NAEMT commends Senator Schmitt and Senator Coons for introducing legislation to reauthorize the EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C.,” said NAEMT President Chief Chris Wray. “The permanent creation and placement of the National EMS Memorial should remain a top priority for all of us, elected officials and EMS leaders alike. Much like our fire service and law enforcement colleagues, honoring those who died in the line of duty, in service to others and their communities, with a proper memorial is the least we can do to pay appropriate respect to these heroes. I urge you to join me and my fellow EMS professionals in supporting this incredibly important project. Let’s make sure we never forget the ultimate price paramedics, EMTs, and other EMS personnel have paid by honoring their ultimate sacrifice.”

“The American Ambulance Association sincerely thank Senators Coons and Schmitt for reintroducing legislation to reauthorize the National EMS Memorial in our nation’s capital,” said AAA President Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “Paramedics, EMTs and other EMS professionals provide vital and often lifesaving 9-1-1 emergency and interfacility medical care to our communities and we should properly acknowledge their profession.”

“The proposed extension of this legislative authority through November 3, 2032, represents both a timely and vital step toward ensuring that the courage, compassion, and sacrifice of our EMS professionals are permanently recognized in our nation’s capital,” said IAEMSC President Scott Cormier. “EMS clinicians—often the first to respond in times of crisis—have long stood as unsung heroes within the public safety community. Their commitment to saving lives in the face of disaster and danger merits a place of national remembrance alongside our fire and law enforcement counterparts.”

The original bill introduced in 2018, titled the National Emergency Medical Services Commemorative Work Act, authorized the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in D.C. within seven years of enactment. However, the Foundation’s authority to create a memorial expired before the project could be completed due to delays caused by COVID-19 and other challenges. The new legislation would extend the authorization through 2032.

The memorial will be fully funded by the foundation rather than taxpayer, and any extra funds will be returned to the federal government after the project wraps up.

You can read the full text of the bill here.

Senators Coons, Cornyn’s bill to equip law enforcement with trauma kits passes Senate

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) released the following statements after their Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act, which would equip law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits so they can respond immediately if a civilian or fellow officer experiences a traumatic injury during a call, passed the Senate:

“Our nation’s law enforcement officers keep our communities safe, and all Americans are better off when they have the resources they need to do their jobs when emergencies strike,” said Senator Coons. “As co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I’m proud that my colleagues passed this bipartisan, commonsense legislation so that police officers have the trauma kits they need to save lives.”

“When responding to medical emergencies, time and access to the right tools can mean the difference between life and death,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation would equip law enforcement officers with high-quality trauma kits to prevent deaths due to blood loss and give patients the best chance of survival.”

“Police officers serve on the frontlines in their communities every day, and they are often first on the scene in medical emergencies,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our bipartisan legislation would provide officers in the field with emergency trauma kits, and fund standardized training to allow them to better protect the public and save lives.”

“As a strong supporter of our brave men and women in law enforcement, I am proud to co-introduce the Improving Police CARE Act which would equip them with the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Tillis. “Ensuring law enforcement officers have effective trauma kits will save countless law enforcement and civilian lives.”

“As the first people to arrive at the scene of an emergency, law enforcement officers must be prepared for anything and properly equipped to respond,” said Senator Rounds. “Our legislation would support equipping officers with trauma kits to control life-threatening hemorrhages in an emergency situation. This bill has the potential to save lives, and I’m pleased that it has passed the Senate.”

“It is imperative that law enforcement officers have the resources and training they need to save lives,” said Senator Durbin. “Blood loss injuries are too often deadly, especially in rural areas where it can take longer for patients to receive emergency medical care. The bipartisan Improving Police CARE Act will establish standards for trauma kits used by law enforcement, ensuring that our officers have the right tools to respond to injuries immediately and continue to serve our communities.”

U.S. Senators Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) are cosponsors of the legislation.

Background:

Trauma kits play a vital role in preventing deaths due to blood loss. Between 30-40% of trauma-related deaths are caused by hemorrhaging, or uncontrolled bleeding, with 33-56% of them occurring before the patient arrives at the hospital. During the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, tourniquets and tourniquet training were widely adopted by the military for their lifesaving potential in combat. This practice has since been embraced in civilian populations given its clear survival benefit. In fact, one study found that patient survival was six times more likely when a tourniquet was used, underscoring the critical need for timely bleeding control. This is especially true in rural areas where the average EMS response time is typically double that of urban areas. Having access to a trauma kit and early bleeding control can help bridge this gap and mean the difference between life and death.

The effectiveness of a law enforcement trauma kit program depends in part on the contents and the quality of the kits. Medical professionals recommend that a kit include bleeding control supplies like tourniquets, bandages, non-latex gloves, scissors, and instructions. However, there is enormous variation in the products available on the market.

The Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act would:

Establish baseline standards in consultation with law enforcement and medical professionals for trauma kits purchased using grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
And require the development of optional best practices that law enforcement agencies can adapt for training law enforcement officers to use trauma kits, and for deployment and maintenance of the kits in vehicles and government facilities

The legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Society of Trauma Nurses, the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the American Trauma Society.

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