The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that would ensure families of retired law enforcement officers murdered in retaliation for their service are eligible for federal death benefits, closing a longstanding gap in the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program.
The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, introduced by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), passed the Senate by unanimous consent on Tuesday. The measure now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The bill is named after Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean War veteran and dedicated law enforcement officer who served for 55 years. Proffitt retired in 2009 as police chief of Tompkinsville, Kentucky. On August 28, 2012, he was shot and killed in his driveway by a man he had arrested a decade earlier. Investigators determined the murder was direct retaliation for Proffitt’s law enforcement career. Despite the clear connection to his service, his family was denied benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program solely because he had retired.
“Even though his murder was a direct retaliation for his service in uniform, Chief Proffitt’s family was denied the benefits they deserved simply because he had already retired,” Cortez Masto said on the Senate floor. “To me, that is unacceptable. And I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree.”
The legislation would amend federal law to make clear that officers killed or permanently disabled after retirement — when the act is determined to be in retaliation for their prior service — qualify for the same PSOB support provided to families of active-duty officers. Supporters argue the change honors the lifelong risks taken by law enforcement personnel and provides critical financial assistance to surviving spouses and children.
New York Rep. Dan Goldman, a Democrat, praised the Senate’s action and called for swift passage in the House.
“We have an obligation to care for those who pay the ultimate price while serving in the line of duty, even after they have retired,” Goldman said. “At a time when partisan gridlock is grinding Congress to a halt, I’m encouraged that both parties came together to pass this commonsense legislation honoring our fallen heroes.”
The Proffitt Act was originally part of a broader package of seven law enforcement-focused bills advanced by Cortez Masto during Police Week. Only two measures cleared the Senate: the Proffitt Act and the Improving Police CARE Act. The remaining five were blocked after Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) objected.
The stalled bills included:
- The Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act, which would equip local governments with training and resources to shield officers from dangerous substances such as fentanyl;
- The Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025, designed to expand mental health resources for police and first responders;
- The PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would update and extend the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program;
- The Strong Communities Act of 2025, aimed at recruiting and retaining officers to serve in the neighborhoods where they live;
- The Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act, which would facilitate the hiring of retired officers for civilian law enforcement support roles.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) accused Booker of blocking the measures to pressure the inclusion of federal funding for sanctuary cities that do not fully cooperate with immigration enforcement. Booker has defended his position as ensuring equitable distribution of grants and protecting community policing priorities.
Cortez Masto, who previously served as Nevada’s attorney general, has built a reputation as a leading voice on law enforcement issues in the Senate. A member of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, she has authored multiple bipartisan bills addressing officer suicide prevention and mental health support, several of which have been signed into law by presidents from both parties. She also sponsored the BADGES for Native Communities Act to strengthen recruitment and retention at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The passage of the Proffitt Act comes as the Republican-controlled Senate returns from the August recess and prepares to tackle a backlog of legislation, including priorities aligned with President Trump’s agenda. While the bill enjoyed strong bipartisan support, its journey through the House remains uncertain amid broader congressional gridlock.
Law enforcement organizations have welcomed the legislation, viewing it as a meaningful step toward recognizing the enduring sacrifices of officers and their families. If enacted, the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act would represent a targeted but significant reform to federal benefits policy.
