Des Moines Sun

A U.S. senator has urged the Trump administration to address issues within a program designed to provide benefits to families of police and firefighters who die or become disabled in the line of duty. Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighted problems with the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program, stating that it is failing the families it is meant to support.

Grassley pointed out significant delays in processing claims, which have caused hardships for grieving families. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, he described these delays as "absolutely unacceptable" and suggested considering new leadership for the program by replacing its longtime leader Hope Janke.

The senator referenced a Government Accountability Office report from last year that outlined management deficiencies dating back to 2009. He criticized government officials like Janke for not being held accountable despite recommendations for changes by outside reviewers.

Grassley has requested updates and documents from the Department of Justice regarding the status of recommended changes within two weeks.

Lisa Afolayan, a widow from Texas whose husband died while training for the Border Patrol 16 years ago, expressed her support for Grassley's involvement. She emphasized the need for change not only for her family but also for others affected by similar circumstances.

"We need movement. We need change and not only for my family," Afolayan stated. "They’ve lost sight of why the program was started."