Sens. Cruz, Gillibrand Lead Senate Passage of the John Barnes Act to Strengthen Benefits for Public Safety Officers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) issued statements following the Senate’s passage of the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026 . This bipartisan bill speeds up benefit determinations for public safety officers by amending the existing Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program. Sen. Cruz said, “The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program was created to ensure that our first responders receive the benefits they deserve and need. We owe it to our first responders and their families to ensure they receive timely and fair support, and I am grateful to have worked with Senator Gillibrand to advance this bill through the Senate. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this legislation without delay.” Sen. Gillibrand said, “This is a major win for our public safety officers, who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Today, we are one step closer to fixing a slow and broken process that keeps first responders and their families in limbo for years on end, including those who risked and lost their lives on 9/11. It is time to bring them the relief they deserve. I am proud that the Senate has passed this bill, and I now urge the House to do the same.” Click here to read more about the bill. BACKGROUND The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026 would: Require the BJA to complete a death or disability determination within 270 days of receiving a complete claim Expedite processing for officers already certified for benefits through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) or the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) Direct BJA to implement GAO recommendations to establish updated program processes and administrative procedures