1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I write to you not only as your constituent, but as someone who has dedicated their life—and stands alongside countless others—protecting this nation, often at great personal risk. Today, I ask for something simple but deeply important: your compassion, your understanding, and your moral leadership.   Each day, federal law enforcement officers leave their families to confront danger most Americans are fortunate never to face. We stand as the last line of defense against terrorism, human trafficking, child exploitation, drug cartels, and violent crime. We do this work quietly, diligently, and with an unwavering sense of duty—not for accolades, but because we believe in serving and protecting others.   We serve despite being stretched thin, working long hours in dangerous environments, and watching our pay and benefits fall behind those of our peers in local and state law enforcement. We’ve continued to show up, even as our resources have dwindled, and our sacrifices have gone largely unnoticed.   Now, there are proposals under consideration that would ask us to give even more—by cutting into the very benefits we’ve earned through decades of sacrifice. Making fundamental changes to our retirement benefits may seem like numbers on a page. But for us, they represent broken promises, futures in doubt, and a message that our service is expendable.   We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness, for recognition of the extraordinary risks we take and the lives we’ve led in the service of others. These proposed cuts would harm not only our livelihoods but the very system of honor and trust that binds law enforcement officers to their oath.   You have the power to stand up for what is right. To say that those who serve and sacrifice for our nation deserve to be treated with dignity and respect—not as expendable budget lines. These decisions are not just fiscal—they are moral. They reflect who we are as a nation and what we value in those who protect it.   During the budget reconciliation process, I urge you to oppose any measures that would erode the pay and retirement benefits of federal law enforcement. To do otherwise would not just hurt recruitment and retention; it would undermine the spirit of those who have already given so much.   Thank you for your time, and for your willingness to lead with principle and humanity.