May 2, 2025
A Blueprint for Action: IACP’s Priorities in the 119th Congress
Each new Congress presents a fresh opportunity to reaffirm IACP’s commitment to advancing public safety, supporting the policing profession, and strengthening the well-being of officers and the communities they serve. In Washington, where policy priorities may shift but the mission of policing remains constant, we are proud to introduce IACP’s Policy Priorities. This roadmap will guide IACP’s advocacy throughout the 119th Congress.
These priorities are not just a list of requests. They reflect the real, day-to-day challenges IACP members face, whether leading a midsize department in the heartland or serving a tribal agency in a rural community. These priorities were developed in collaboration with IACP’s committees and sections, and represent tens-of-thousands of voices from across the policing landscape, informed by firsthand experience and focused on practical, results-driven policy.
This Congress, IACP is placing an even greater emphasis on implementation on the comprehensive recommendations of the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, while also expanding our focus to address evolving threats like cybercrime, recruitment and retention challenges, and officer mental wellness.
Just as importantly, IACP is urging Congress to sustain — not reduce — funding for the policing assistance grants and resources that police agencies nationwide depend on. At a time of rising expectations and limited budgets, maintaining these investments is essential to ensuring public safety and supporting the profession.
Whether it’s advocating for consistent funding for forensic labs, supporting wellness measures for policing, or improving real-time data sharing across agencies, IACP is making sure that when Members of Congress look for guidance, they know the IACP is ready with answers.
Over the coming weeks, IACP will be on the Hill sharing this booklet in briefings, hearings, and one-on-one conversations with legislators. And while Congress may be far from your agency’s front steps, rest assured: your voice is heard in every meeting.
To view the Policy Priorities booklet or download your own version please click here.
Letter of Support
As part of our continued federal engagement, IACP has recently submitted letters of support for several legislative proposals. These efforts reflect IACP’s commitment to advancing policy solutions that directly impact the policing profession. Below are the most recent letters of support that IACP has sent to the legislators:
- Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act (H.R. 2698): This legislation directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop a comprehensive strategy to address threats posed by ghost guns. The goal is to enhance intelligence sharing and enforcement efforts to prevent these weapons from being used in criminal activities.
- HELPER Act (H.R. 2094 / S. 978): This legislation aims to create a new home loan program under the FHA for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and teachers. The program would eliminate down payment and monthly mortgage insurance requirements, making homeownership more accessible for these individuals.
- HALT Fentanyl Act (H.R. 27 / S. 331): This legislation aims to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification would enhance law enforcement’s ability to prosecute traffickers and curb the distribution of synthetic opioids contributing to the overdose crisis.
- Support for the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN): The letter urges continued and expanded funding for NIBIN under ATF’s leadership.
Congressional Meeting
IACP has been engaging with legislators and committee staff to shape conversations around policing policy, funding, and public safety priorities. These targeted meetings continue to position IACP as a trusted resource and advocate for the profession on Capitol Hill. IACP has recently met with the following offices.
- DHS Counter-UAS Briefing: Participated in the Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Webinar hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for State and Local Law Enforcement. The presentation explored the evolving threat posed by unmanned aircraft, legal limitations on state and local response, and strategies for securing legislative support to advance C-UAS implementation.
- Judiciary Committee Staff Engagement: Held bipartisan staff-level meetings with both majority and minority staff from the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to advocate for IACP’s Police Week priorities and discuss legislative proposals affecting police agencies.
- Senate Law Enforcement Caucus Leadership Meeting: Met with Senators Chris Coons and Amy Klobuchar to align on broader legislative goals for the 119th Congress.
- Majority Leader Outreach – Medicaid & Public Safety: Met with Senate Majority Leader Schumer’s office to examine the potential impact of proposed Medicaid cuts on public safety systems and the policing organizations.
Congressional Testimony
IACP’s 2nd Vice President, Chief Will Johnson, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety during the hearing titled “Grand Theft Cargo: Examining a Costly Threat to Consumers and the U.S. Supply Chain.”
Chief Johnson’s testimony brought national attention to the growing issue of organized cargo theft and its impact on both public safety and the U.S. economy. He underscored the increasing frequency of thefts along the nation’s railways, the operational challenges policing organizations face in combatting these crimes, and the urgent need for coordinated federal response, enhanced technology, and resources to better protect critical freight corridors.
To read a copy of Chief Johnson’s full opening statement, click here or you can watch the full hearing by clicking here.
IACP remains committed to ensuring the voice of the policing profession is heard at the highest levels of government. IACP’s advocacy is grounded in the needs of those serving on the front lines.
We will continue to keep you informed as advocacy efforts progress and new opportunities arise. If you have any questions about IACP’s advocacy efforts or would like to connect further, please contact IACP’s Legislative Affairs team at legaffairs@theiacp.org.
Past legislative Updates
- NDAA Advances as Spending Talks Tighten
- Federal Funding Outlook Following the End of the Government Shutdown
- U.S. Government Shutdown Continues
- IACP Launches Federal Legislative Tracker and Provides Government Shutdown Updates
- Federal Budget Outlook Ahead of September Update
- Congress Returns: FY 26 Funding on Deck
