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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Pat Ryan (NY-18) introduced the bipartisan More Funding for COPS Act to reauthorize the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program with double the amount of federal funding.
“In Iowa, our local sheriffs and officers are often the first and only line of defense. They fight through storms, snow, sleet, and ice to serve and protect our communities, often without the funding they need,” said Rep. Nunn. “Every Iowa town deserves strong public safety, regardless of size or geography, and I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to boost hiring and resources for law enforcement in our small and rural communities.”
“More affordable, more safe, and more free – that’s the Hudson Valley I want for my kids and for yours. Keeping our streets safe starts with supporting our local police departments, and making sure they have the tools they need to protect our communities,” said Rep. Ryan. “Hudson Valley police officers are heroes, and they’re entrusted with the enormous responsibility of protecting our families. But far too often, small and mid sized police departments like ours lack the resources they need. That’s why I am proud to be leading this bipartisan effort to ensure that our officers are getting fair treatment – because our kids, our communities, and our country are all safer when we support our cops.”
The COPS program was established in 1994 to help local law enforcement agencies hire officers and implement community policing strategies that build trust and prevent crime. However, this program has not been reauthorized since 2009. The More Funding for COPS Act would formally reauthorize the program and provide a much-needed increase to the authorized funding level. In FY25, the COPS program received $685 million in federal funding. This legislation would bump that level up to $1.16 billion to provide even more support to local law enforcement struggling with recruitment.
“Local departments like ours are expected to meet growing needs in our communities with limited resources,” said Chief Chad McCluskey, Waukee Police Department. “The More Funding for COPS Act will be crucial to ensure officers in communities like Waukee and across this country have the tools and support needed to serve safely and effectively.”
The legislation has been endorsed by the U.S. Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the Waukee Police Department.
Text of the bill can be found here.
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