Bipartisan Support for Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers H.Res. 1252
The Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) is deeply disappointed by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib’s vote opposing H.Res. 1252, a bipartisan resolution honoring law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The resolution passed overwhelmingly in the United States House of Representatives by a vote of 418-2, reflecting broad bipartisan recognition that the sacrifice made by fallen officers deserves acknowledgment and respect beyond politics or ideology.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib Was One of Two “No” Votes
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) was one of only two members of Congress to vote “no” on the resolution and, to date, has offered no public explanation regarding her opposition.
Notably, every other member of Michigan’s congressional delegation — Republicans and Democrats alike — voted in support of the measure.
Michigan members voting YES included:
Republicans:
• Jack Bergman
• John Moolenaar
• Bill Huizenga
• Tim Walberg
• Lisa McClain
• Tom Barrett
• John James
Democrats:
• Hillary Scholten
• Shri Thanedar
• Haley Stevens
• Debbie Dingell
• Kristen McDonald Rivet
“This was not a partisan issue,” said POAM President Jim Tignanelli. “Michigan Democrats and Republicans stood together in recognizing the sacrifice of fallen law enforcement officers and supporting the families they leave behind.”
Michigan Democrats and Republicans United in Support of H.Res. 1252
H.Res. 1252 formally recognizes Peace Officers Memorial Day and honors officers killed in the line of duty while also acknowledging the continuing need to ensure law enforcement professionals receive proper training, equipment, and resources necessary to protect the public safely and effectively.
POAM also noted this was not an isolated vote. Rep. Tlaib has repeatedly voted against similar House resolutions memorializing fallen law enforcement officers in prior congressional sessions, including 2023 and 2025.
“Law enforcement officers understand that elected officials will not always agree on policy,” Tignanelli added. “But recognizing officers who were murdered or lost their lives protecting others should never become controversial.”
Why POAM Believes Recognition Should Never Become Political
While this resolution was being debated in Congress, POAM representatives were in Washington, D.C., during National Police Week, meeting directly with lawmakers from both parties to advocate for meaningful legislation supporting active and retired law enforcement officers and first responders, including efforts to expand Medicare eligibility for retired public safety professionals.
POAM believes advocacy must go beyond emotional reactions and public statements. The organization continues to engage legislators on substantive policy issues affecting Michigan law enforcement officers, retirees, and their families.
Honoring Michigan Police Officers of the Year in Grand Rapids
As part of its longstanding commitment to recognizing service and sacrifice, POAM will honor more than a dozen Police Officers of the Year during its statewide convention on May 21st in Grand Rapids before nearly 500 law enforcement professionals from across Michigan. The officers being recognized performed heroic and selfless acts in the line of duty to protect the public.
This year’s convention will also feature keynote appearances from Rob O’Neill, a former member of SEAL Team SIX associated with the mission that killed Osama Bin Laden, and retired FDNY firefighter Tim Brown, who responded at Ground Zero during the September 11 terrorist attacks. Their participation will help honor the brotherhood and sisterhood of first responders while reflecting on the approaching 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the enduring values of service, sacrifice, and public safety.
POAM remains committed to action-oriented advocacy focused on protecting active and retired law enforcement officers, supporting their families, and ensuring the sacrifices made by Michigan’s first responders are never minimized or forgotten.
Photo Credit: Hose.gov