Dear Representatives Fitzpatrick and Gluesenkamp Perez,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 7210, the “Fuel the Force Act.”
This legislation aims to address the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in law enforcement by amending both the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide $100,000 in annual Federal income tax exclusion to full-time law enforcement officers with at least five years of service and incentivizes those who have met the five-year mark to remain in service. The bill broadens the eligibility definition of officers to include judicial officers, sheriffs, and deputies, while also limiting bureaucratic hurdles to ensure ease of access to financial relief through the tax code.
Law enforcement officers work tirelessly every day to protect their communities. In doing so, they shoulder immense mental, physical, and emotional demands. There’s no law or policy that can mitigate these pressures, but we can take meaningful steps to support them and their families by providing targeted financial relief and support. By easing unnecessary financial burdens, this approach helps experienced officers remain on the job and encourages the next generation to commit to a career in public service, ensuring departments remain strong and communities safe.
On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your leadership on this important issue. If I can provide any additional information about this bill, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President