Nearly one million men and women across the nation go to work each and every day willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow Americans. From our hometowns, to universities, to airports, to the United States Capitol, brave law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to protecting us. They leave their homes and their families without the certainty of return. They put their lives on the line to protect our communities and we will never forget their heroism.

President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the corresponding week as National Police Week, giving us an opportunity to honor fallen officers. This week, we remember the 158 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year, and the 43 officers who have lost their lives since January of this year.

Along with millions of Missourians, I am forever grateful for those who have lost their lives and stand in support of our extraordinary law enforcement heroes. Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, the federal government has renewed its support of our law enforcement. Among other important efforts, we have begun providing for additional physical and mental health programs along with critical funding to ensure they have the resources they need to maintain high levels of training and, most importantly, stay safe.

Last year, Congress unanimously passed the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act. This legislation improves the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for our law enforcement and was signed into law by President Trump. In addition, President Trump directed the military to make surplus military equipment available to law enforcement agencies, keeping our officers safer and easing the burden on already stretched budgets. Just this week, the House passed legislation to permanently reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grand Program with increased funding. These are just a few of the strides this administration has made towards supporting those who protect us.

I’m proud to offer my unwavering support for law enforcement officers across this nation. Each and every one of these men and women deserve our utmost gratitude and recognition for their sacrifices. This week, President Donald Trump spoke at the 38^th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, and I hope we will all remember his words as we commemorate National Police Week: “These brave heroes did not put on the uniform for praise or for glory. They wore the badge because it was their duty, their calling, their noble purpose to serve, protect like nobody has ever done it before. They embodied our highest ideals and greatest aspirations. They were the very best of us.”