Expressing support for law enforcement officers.

Overview

H.Con.Res. 96 (119th Congress, 2nd Session) is a concurrent resolution expressing formal support for law enforcement officers. It is a symbolic measure that does not itself create or modify law, funding, or policy mandates. The resolution was introduced May 7, 2026, referred to the House Judiciary Committee, and subsequently advanced to passage in the House.

Main Purpose and Intent

• The bill explicitly "expresses support for law enforcement officers."
• It acknowledges the contributions, sacrifices, and daily service of law enforcement personnel in safeguarding communities and upholding the rule of law.
• It aims to recognize the role of officers in promoting public safety, stability, and order nationwide.

Key Provisions and Changes

• The resolution states three core sentiments:
  1. Appreciation for the indispensable contributions of law enforcement to communities and the country.
  2. Recognition of the extraordinary sacrifices made by officers to protect and serve.
  3. A declaration of profound and wholehearted support for the men and women of law enforcement.
• It does not propose new programs, authorize funding, or mandate changes in policy or policing practices.
• The text includes several preambular statements that describe the broader context of law enforcement work, including outreach, crisis response, mentorship, and community presence.

Who or What Would Be Affected

• Law enforcement officers and agencies nationwide would be publicly acknowledged and honored through the resolution.
• The measure is symbolic and primarily affects public rhetoric and congressional stance rather than operational or fiscal aspects of policing.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Introduced: May 7, 2026.
• Referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
• The House passed the resolution on May 13, 2026, by a roll-call vote (Yeas 243, Nays 173, 3 Present). A motion to reconsider was laid on the table, and the measure completed its passage in the House as a concurrent resolution.
• Because concurrent resolutions express sentiments or organize the House’s positions, they do not require Senate passage to have effect, but typically reflect bicameral messaging or symbolic endorsement.

Notable Context from the Record

• The bill’s summary and sponsor list show broad bipartisan and inter-party sponsorship, emphasizing unity in support for law enforcement.
• The action history includes standard House procedures such as debate, a closed-rule consideration framework for related bills, and subsequent passage.