Congressman Ryan Mackenzie Highlights Public Safety Legislation During National Police Week
Washington, D.C. — During National Police Week, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) is honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers throughout the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos while highlighting a slate of bipartisan legislation he is supporting to strengthen public safety, support first responders, and provide law enforcement with additional tools and resources.
“During National Police Week, we honor the men and women of law enforcement throughout the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Police officers and first responders face increasingly difficult challenges every day, from violent crime and fentanyl trafficking to mental health pressures and growing threats in the line of duty. They deserve our full support, not just during National Police Week, but year-round.”
As part of National Police Week, Congressman Mackenzie is co-sponsoring multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation focused on strengthening law enforcement, improving officer safety, supporting first responders, and combating violent crime and fentanyl trafficking, including:
- The Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposures Act, helping provide first responders with equipment and training to prevent accidental exposure to fentanyl and other dangerous substances.
- The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, addressing the growing threat of xylazine being mixed into illegal drugs while protecting legitimate agricultural and veterinary uses.
- The Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization Act of 2025, continuing support for efforts to reduce violent crime through coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement.
- The HELPER Act of 2025, expanding access to homeownership opportunities for law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, and first responders.
- The Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2025, helping local law enforcement agencies access lifesaving federal surplus equipment.
- The Back the Blue Act of 2025, increasing protections for law enforcement officers and first responders who are targeted in the line of duty.
- The Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025, extending support for mental health resources and crisis services for law enforcement officers.
- The Fight Fentanyl Act, strengthening efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and provide law enforcement with additional tools to keep dangerous drugs off the streets.
“As the needs of law enforcement evolve, it’s critical that we provide the tools and support that officers count on,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “The bipartisan legislation that I’ve co-sponsored will help to ensure that we provide police in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos with the protection, equipment, and services that they deserve. By working together with law enforcement, we can continue to strengthen public safety following the record low crime rates we secured in 2025.”
“We appreciate Congressman Ryan Mackenzie’s continued support for law enforcement and first responders throughout the Lehigh Valley. He has consistently recognized the challenges facing law enforcement today and the importance of providing officers with the resources, protections, and support systems they need both on and off the job. Congressman Mackenzie has also been a constant supporter of Bethlehem Star Lodge #20 and the work our members do serving the citizens of Bethlehem, and we sincerely appreciate his ongoing support and advocacy for public safety,” Robert L. Nichelson, President of Bethlehem Star Lodge #20, FOP.
Supporting law enforcement and first responders has been a longstanding priority for Congressman Mackenzie. As part of the FY 2026 appropriations process, Congressman Mackenzie secured $5.3 million for projects benefitting first responders, including $1.65 million for a new firehouse for the Lower Macungie Fire Department, $2.1 million for first responder communications equipment in Carbon County, $700,000 for Bethlehem Police Department technology and equipment upgrades, and more. As a Pennsylvania State Representative, he authored the legislation creating the Keystone First Responder Award, which recognizes first responders who were killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
A full list of bills supporting law enforcement and public safety which Congressman Mackenzie has co-sponsored is available here.
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