Congressman Evans Makes the Case for More Law Enforcement Training
In case you missed it… As an Army veteran and a former cop, Congressman Gabe Evans penned an op-ed on how the One Big Beautiful Bill trains all levels of law enforcement officers. Read highlights below or his full op-ed here.
Congressman Evans: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ funding will train all levels of law enforcement amid grave threats
July 10, 2025
In a time where America is facing rising threats, one truth remains clear: our national security depends on more than just the right policies. It depends on people: the brave men and women of law enforcement who stand between danger and the American people. Ensuring law enforcement officers are trained, prepared and supported isn't optional, it’s essential.
As a former police officer and Army veteran, I know firsthand how critical it is for officers to be properly trained and prepared. Whether it’s responding to violent crime in our communities, securing the border, or preventing terrorist activity here in the homeland, split second decisions are shaped by the quality of their training. These officers are often the first to detect and disrupt sleeper cells and terrorism threats that most Americans never see, which makes their preparation all the more vital. That's why I am proud to support the $750 million investment in the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) included in Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill.
Before I ran for office, I walked the thin blue line. I worked patrol and confronted dangerous situations head on, just like thousands of law enforcement officers in this country do every time they walk out the front door in the morning. I’ve experienced what it's like to run into an unknown situation and rely on your training to get you and your buddies home safely that night. I know how much that training matters.
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Republicans’ investment includes $285 million to expand FLETC’s ability to recruit and train the personnel our country needs, especially in high demand areas like the U.S. Border Patrol and ICE. Under Republican leadership and with President Trump at the helm, we’ve begun to reverse the chaos at the southern border. Illegal crossings have dropped dramatically, but the mission isn't over. To continue correcting course and keep America safe, we need a strong pipeline of well trained agents ready to secure the borders of our country, state, and communities. Local officers are our first line of defense and deserve the best training and tools to effectively do the job.
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While some in Washington want to restrict officers’ ability to enforce the law and maintain public safety, Republicans are backing the blue. Congress has a duty to support the men and women who protect us, not just in words, but in action. That begins with ensuring they are well trained, equipped, and prepared.
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