Why It Matters
The National Fraternal Order of Police’s current lobbying pushes legislation on officer mental health resources, expanded concealed carry rights, and protection against fentanyl exposure.
Officer suicide rates exceed deaths from violence, ambush attacks remain elevated, and agencies struggle with recruitment and retention. Congress is responding with bipartisan momentum—the Social Security Fairness Act passed in January 2025, expanding retirement benefits for police officers and their families.
The FOP’s strategy relies on sustained in-house advocacy paired with a unified coalition of law enforcement groups—the National Association of Police Organizations and Sergeants Benevolent Association are lobbying on nearly identical priorities.
By the Numbers
The National Fraternal Order of Police reported $100,000 in lobbying expenses for the final quarter of 2025, continuing its in-house lobbying strategy. The organization has invested approximately $5.9 million across 78 total lobbying disclosures since 2003.
The FOP’s six-person in-house team is anchored by veteran lobbyists James O. Pasco Jr. and Timothy M. Richardson, who have each filed 77 disclosures since August 2003. Recent additions include Laura Gormally (October 2024) and Benjamin H. Stokes (May 2024).
The Agenda
The FOP is pushing a broad portfolio of law enforcement priorities, specifically advocating for concealed carry protections through the LEOSA Reform Act—listed as a "TOP PRIORITY." Other priorities include collective bargaining rights, tax relief measures like the KEEP Act, expanded healthcare and mental health resources for officers, enhanced retirement benefits, officer safety measures, fentanyl enforcement, and legislation addressing workplace violence against law enforcement.
Broader Context
The FOP’s lobbying occurs amid converging crises. Police officers die by suicide at significantly higher rates than line-of-duty deaths, with at least 184 public-safety officers dying by suicide annually. Officer ambush attacks account for more than 28 percent of all officers killed through July 2025.
Legislative victories strengthen the FOP’s position. President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act in January 2025, increasing monthly benefits by an average of $360 for affected officers. The LEOSA Reform Act passed the House 403-11.
The synthetic drug crisis continues threatening first responders, with fentanyl seizures representing over 119 million deadly doses in 2025. Meanwhile, over 70 percent of law enforcement agencies report recruiting is more difficult than five years ago.
Between The Lines
Congress has been active on FOP priorities. The House Judiciary Committee advanced multiple FOP-backed bills in March 2025, and the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced officer wellness legislation during National Police Week. FOP National President Patrick Yoes testified before the House Homeland Security Committee in December 2025 on rising violence against officers.
Competitive Landscape
The FOP operates within an aligned coalition of law enforcement organizations. NAPO and the SBA are lobbying on nearly identical priorities, creating unified pressure on Capitol Hill. This coordination strengthens the FOP’s negotiating position while limiting competitive tensions within the sector.
The Bottom Line
The FOP spent $100,000 lobbying in the last quarter of 2025 on core law enforcement priorities: officer safety, mental health resources, concealed carry rights, and retirement benefits. Congress is actively advancing FOP-aligned bills in a favorable political environment where multiple law enforcement priorities are progressing simultaneously.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article