Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would reauthorize the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program and double federal funding.
The More Funding for COPS Act would formally reauthorize the program that hasn’t been reauthorized since 2009.
It also would increase the program’s funding to $1.16 billion for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The previous funding level was at $1.05 billion for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. The program received $685 million in funding for fiscal year 2025.
U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Pat Ryan (D-NY) introduced the bill that has the endorsement of the National Association of Police Organizations, the U.S. Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and the Waukee Police Department.
“Keeping our streets safe starts with supporting our local police departments, and making sure they have the tools they need to protect our communities,” Ryan said. “But far too often, small and mid sized police departments like ours lack the resources they need. That’s why I am proud to be leading this bipartisan effort to ensure that our officers are getting fair treatment – because our kids, our communities, and our country are all safer when we support our cops.”
The program helps local law enforcement agencies hire officers and implement community policing strategies.