Congressman Mac Thornberry voted for a bill this week that sets new penalties for crimes or attempted crimes against law enforcement officers.
On Wednesday, May 16th, Thornberry joined a majority of U.S. House members in voting for approval of the Protect and Serve Act of 2018. The bill, if approved, will amend Title 18, United States Code to punish criminal offenses targeting law enforcement officers.
Some major takeaways from the bill include that those who knowingly cause bodily harm to an officer shall be imprisoned for a term of not more than 10 years and possibly fined. Those who commit those same offenses, if the offense results in the death of an officer or involves kidnapping, will be subject to imprisonment of any term of years or a term of life, under the bill. The bill also set certain circumstances and instances for penalties, as well as clarifies the term "law enforcement officer" for the purpose of the bill.
The U.S. House voted 382-35 to approve the bill on Wednesday, with eleven Republicans and twenty-four Democrats voting against the bill. Ten members were listed as not present for the vote.
The bill is now expected to move to the U.S. Senate before consideration. If the bill passes in the Senate, it will head to President Donald Trump's desk.
