Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) issued statements following the Senate’s passage of the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026. This bipartisan bill speeds up benefit determinations for public safety officers by amending the existing Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program. Sen. Cruz said, “The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program was created to ensure that our first responders receive the benefits they deserve and need. Sen. Gillibrand said, “This is a major win for our public safety officers, who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. BACKGROUNDThe Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026 would: