Bert Eyler, President of the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition (PODC), issued the following statement regarding the House vote on H. Con. Res. 96, the resolution “Expressing support for our law enforcement officers,” during National Police Week 2026.

“On behalf of the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, I would like to personally thank the 213 Republicans and the 29 Democrats who voted ‘yes’ on H. Con. Res. 96. This resolution was about honoring the brave men and women in law enforcement who serve their communities and this nation.

It is deeply disappointing and frankly unbelievable that 173 Democrats voted against this resolution during National Police Week. Supporting fallen officers and the law enforcement profession should never be a partisan issue. This resolution should have passed unanimously across both parties.

The American people deserve to know that 47 of the Democrats who voted against this resolution are members of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus. If members of the caucus cannot support a resolution honoring officers and expressing support for law enforcement, then serious questions must be asked about their continued membership in that caucus.

The Police Officers’ Defense Coalition believes those 47 members should be immediately removed from the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus. You cannot publicly claim to support law enforcement while voting against a resolution recognizing the sacrifices made by officers daily. 

Law enforcement officers across America continue to face rising violence, anti-police rhetoric, and political attacks. During a week dedicated to remembering our fallen heroes, Congress had an opportunity to stand united behind the badge. Sadly, 173 members chose politics over principle.

Bert Eyler, President of The Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, said, “He will always stand firmly with the men and women of law enforcement and the families of the officers who never came home at the end of watch.”

About the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition

The Police Officers’ Defense Coalition is a national advocacy organization committed to defending the rights of law enforcement officers, supporting pro-law enforcement legislation, and honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s police officers.