INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 13, 2025 — The men and women who uphold the rule of law find themselves under siege—not just from criminals, but from an insidious, creeping death brought upon them by the unrelenting flood of fentanyl and other deadly toxins pouring into our nation. In response to this existential threat, the National Police Association (NPA) is endorsing the Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act (S. 180 / H.R. 621), introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley (IA) and Amy Klobuchar (MN) on the Senate side, and Reps. David Joyce (OH-14) and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) on the House side. Once made available, the bill’s Senate text will be found here; and the House bill’s text will be here.
This bipartisan bill would allow state and local law enforcement agencies to use existing Department of Justice funds to purchase drug containment devices—an essential tool in the battle against the fentanyl scourge. These devices are designed to safeguard officers from exposure to narcotics and other lethal substances they confront daily on the front lines of our communities. Additionally, the bill would ensure officers receive critical training on their proper use, further reducing the ever-growing risk they face in the line of duty.
“Containment devices provide police officers and other first responders with the tools they need to store dangerous drugs and other illegal substances safely. The Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act would allow law enforcement agencies to readily purchase these critical tools,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association. “This bill could save the lives of police officers and members of the communities they serve,” Fitzsimmons added.
The NPA extends its gratitude to Sens. Grassley and Klobuchar, and Reps. Joyce and Dean for introducing this critical, life-saving bill. The men and women of law enforcement serve their communities and willingly place their lives at risk every day. Eliminating as many risks for them as is possible, which the Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act would accomplish, is the right thing to do. This bill sends a clear message that we, as a nation, respect and value the men and women of law enforcement. America’s police officers are the last guardians of civilization in a time of growing disorder. This legislation is not just necessary—it is moral, just, and long overdue. Congress must act.
The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and law. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org.
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