Kelly backs "Protect and Serve Act" to support law enforcement

Image February 4, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) co-sponsored H.R. 1551, The Protect and Serve Act ," legislation that would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The bill was reintroduced by Reps. John Rutherford (R-FL) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) last year. Kelly has voted for the legislation in previous Congresses. "Each day, law enforcement officers go to work and put their lives on the line to protect our cities and our neighborhoods. This legislation makes it clear: an attack on law enforcement is an attack on our communities. I'm proud to stand with law enforcement and to support this bipartisan piece of legislation," Kelly said. BACKGROUND H.R. 1551, the Protect and Serve Act: Creates federal penalties for anyone who targets law enforcement officers and willfully harms them in the execution of a crime. Creates a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment for someone who attacks and injures an officer and a penalty of life in prison for someone who kills or kidnaps an officer. Passed the House with broad bipartisan support in 2018 by a vote of 382-35.