Colorado Republican Sen. Cory Gardner is pushing for federal legislation to enhance the quality of police body armor and said it’s Congress’ responsibility to protect the police.

The legislation was introduced during National Police Week and would provide law enforcement officers with armor that could withstand rifle fire. (RELATED: Cory Gardner Says Trump Supports States That Want To Legalize Weed)

“They have vests. Most have vests, but not the right kind,” Gardner said on “Fox & Friends” Friday. “You’re talking about body armor that is maybe good for a handgun. Maybe it’s a little bit older; and so over time, we know the body armor weakens. But this would equip our officers with type-three body armor that’s good for rifles.”

Host Steve Doocy cited statistics stating 10 officers have been shot in Gardner’s home state of Colorado over the past six months — three being killed.

“That’s the most in Colorado we have had in such quick succession in 100 years; it’s outrageous,” Gardner replied. “If we had level three armor available, we could protect them.”

WATCH:

Gardner said the program will be expensive but cited America’s financial deal with Iran as precedent for spending more federal funds.

“Look, this is going to be expensive. There’s no doubt about it,” he continued. “The fact is this country spends $1.7 billion to Iran. I think we can find a billion dollars to back the blue.”

“The president has done an incredible job supporting police officers. Nobody has supported them more than this president,” Gardner concluded. “Congress, I hope, can get behind this bill.”

The Daily Caller News Foundation reached out to Gardner’s office for comment but did not receive a reply in time for publication.

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