U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Gary Peters Lead Legislation Improving DHS Body Armor
Reintroduce DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act to protect law enforcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), the Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced their DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act.
“I’m proud to reintroduce this crucial legislation that will ensure Department of Homeland Security officers—both women and men—have properly fitting body armor that truly protects them in the line of duty,” said Senator Britt. “Last year, our bipartisan DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act passed the Senate unanimously. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill to President Trump’s desk. Our brave law enforcement heroes deserve body armor that keeps them safe while they selflessly protect and serve our nation with distinction.”
Their bipartisan bill would require all agencies under DHS to provide improved ballistic body armor to appropriately fit both male and female law enforcement officers. In the 118th Congress, the DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Senator Britt stated at the time, “With the passage of the DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act, we are ensuring every man and woman in the line of duty has the best equipment necessary to protect them.”
“The dedicated officers serving in DHS law enforcement roles deserve nothing less than the most effective protective equipment available,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation addresses a safety gap that puts our officers at unnecessary risk. By ensuring access to properly fitted body armor that meets the highest safety standards, we’re fulfilling our duty to protect those who protect us.”
In 2022, the FBI conducted ballistic testing using updated procedures and improved body molds that accounted for different body types. The testing found that the commonly used body armor, when tested on a female mold, was vulnerable to a bullet, or other projectile, ricocheting off the top center of the front armor panel and into the throat area, which could kill an officer.
Since the testing, improved ballistic body armor has been created and is available. This legislation would address the demonstrated safety risks identified in FBI testing and ensure that all DHS law enforcement officers have access to potentially life-saving protection. The full text of the bill can be viewed here.
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