The National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest police union in the country, has endorsed key provisions of President Donald Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ a major piece of legislation supported by the administration. The FOP President, Patrick Yoes, announced strong support for the bill on Wednesday evening, calling it a ‘promise kept to the public safety officers across the country and a bold step toward an economy that respects, rewards, and uplifts the people who keep it safe.’ The FOP specifically endorsed two provisions: a tax deduction for overtime pay and an increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deductions. Yoes emphasized that these measures are crucial for the 377,000-member organization, particularly for rank-and-file members who face significant financial pressures. The FOP praised the leadership of Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson for passing the bill in Congress, which now faces significant opposition from Democrats and some Republicans in the Senate.
The bill, known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ passed the House after an all-night debate last week with a narrow 215-214 vote, marking a hard-fought victory for Republicans. The SALT deduction increase, which would raise the cap to $40,000 for taxpayers earning less than $500,000, is a contentious provision, especially for high-cost living areas like New York City and Los Angeles. The bill includes a tax deduction for income taxes on overtime earnings for those earning less than $160,000 per year. Yoes noted that the current SALT cap disproportionately affects law enforcement officers, many of whom live in or near the jurisdictions they serve, thereby increasing their cost of living. He argued that the provision is essential for supporting local budgets, which are under financial strain due to rising equipment, vehicle, and personnel costs, particularly in the context of recruitment and retention challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.
However, the SALT deduction increase has drawn criticism from lower-tax state Republicans, who warn that it could add significantly to the federal budget deficit. Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., expressed concerns, stating that the provision could cost $385 billion in additional U.S. deficit spending. Despite this, blue-state Republicans have framed the SALT cap issue as an existential threat to the GOP’s House majority in the 2026 midterms. Speaker Johnson has reached a tentative deal with blue-state Republicans to boost the SALT deduction, but the outcome remains uncertain. Yoes reiterated that the FOP believes these provisions are vital for improving the quality of life for law enforcement officers, who are critical to maintaining public safety. He commended Trump for his ongoing efforts to support the nation’s public safety professionals, emphasizing the importance of these measures for the profession’s future and stability.