Senator Hassan Cosponsors Bill to Ensure that Federal Law Enforcement Officers Receive Retirement Benefits

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan cosponsored legislation to ensure that all federal law enforcement officers receive the benefits that they have earned. The bill would fix a technicality that bars some federal law enforcement officers from receiving the same retirement benefits as their peers in similar positions.  

“Many federal law enforcement officers – including those who serve at the Defense Department and FBI – are not receiving the benefits that they have more than earned after risking their lives in the line of duty,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense bill will address the current inequity to ensure that all federal law enforcement officers get equal benefits, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass it.”

Specifically, the Law Enforcement Officers’ Equity Act expands the definition of “law enforcement officer” to include federal employees who are authorized to carry a firearm and whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected criminals, as well as additional federal employees with key law enforcement responsibilities, for instance Department of Veterans Affairs police officers. The bill provides these federal law enforcement officers with enhanced retirement benefits and the ability to retire after 20 years of service at the age of 50, or after 25 years of service at any age.

Senator Hassan is committed to providing law enforcement officers, first responders, and service members with the support that they deserve. In 2019, bipartisan legislation became law that Senator Hassan cosponsored to restore grant funding for law enforcement support services and allow grant recipients to use funds to establish suicide-prevention programs and mental health services for law enforcement officers. Senator Hassan also joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues in reintroducing the Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act, which passed the Senate last Congress, that directs federal agencies to develop best practices, training, and educational programs to reduce, limit, and prevent exposure to PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not naturally break down. Senator Hassan also introduced the Toxic Exposure in the American Military (TEAM Act), bipartisan legislation that fundamentally reforms and improves how veterans exposed to toxic substances receive health care and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The full text of the legislation can be viewed here.

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