Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) announced millions in federal funding she secured to modernize critical law enforcement communications in Howard and Hardin Counties. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program and was secured by Rep. Hinson through the Appropriations process in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Rep. Hinson voted for this bill out of committee on September 10, 2025, and supported it on the House Floor on January 8, 2026.
“Our law enforcement officers and first responders need reliable, modern equipment to keep our communities safe. I was proud to secure this funding to strengthen emergency communications in Howard and Hardin Counties. I will always advocate for Iowa law enforcement to have the tools and resources they need to protect our communities, and return as many taxpayer dollars as possible to rural Iowa.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson
“We are grateful for Rep. Hinson’s advocacy for this project, which would not have been possible without the federal funds she secured. This project will help the Sheriff’s office modernize our radio infrastructure, supporting our Deputies and First Responders in high stress situations and improving our emergency response to keep Iowa families safe.” – Howard County Sheriff Rick Busch
“On behalf of the Public Safety Community in Hardin County as well as the citizens, I would like to thank Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and her team for the Community Project Funding that has been awarded to Hardin County. This will allow law enforcement, the fire service, and Emergency Medical Services to have interoperable communications, with our neighboring counties as well as state and federal agencies. For far too long, Hardin County has been on an ‘island’ when it comes to communications, which has posed a serious safety concern for our first responders, as well as ineffective or no communications with our partners. Again, Congresswoman Hinson, and her staff were instrumental in seeing to it that the safety the first responders in Hardin County and the citizens they serve are at the forefront.” – Hardin County Sheriff Dave McDaniel