I am thrilled to report that this week the U.S. Congress passed the Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act. I was honored to lead a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general supporting its passage.

In May, I rallied a group of attorneys general in support of the SAFR Act to urge Congress to pass the important change to allow families of law enforcement officers who contract COVID-19, and die as a result, to receive benefits. The Act will permit the families of first responders who die or are permanently and totally disabled as a result of COVID-19, to receive the same federal benefits extended to first responders, or their survivors, otherwise killed or injured in the line of duty.

Sadly, Florida has already lost law enforcement officers to this deadly virus and no government action will ever replace these heroes, but with the passage of the SAFR Act, we can at least offer assistance and a bit of comfort to the families of the brave law enforcement officers who risk their health and safety to protect ours.

I am grateful to my fellow attorneys general and the U.S. lawmakers who supported this important legislation. I am urging all Floridians to please continue to support our law enforcement men and women and their families.

By doing so, you will help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.