Bob Barr: “Mr. Speaker, I think it is also important to keep in mind that just a few days ago we celebrated, if that is the proper…”

“Mr. Speaker, I think it is also important to keep in mind that just a few days ago we celebrated, if that is the proper word, or at least recognized the first anniversary of the tragic bombing at Olympic Park in Atlanta. With the fact that there was a great deal of private security at those events and with the events surrounding Mr. Jewel, I cannot help but think that this is a very appropriate time to bring this bill forward to the floor because it will, I think, Mr. Speaker, go a great distance toward improving the caliber of private security officers in our community. I would like to commend the gentlewoman from California for noting very appropriately and to remind all of our colleagues that the bill itself recognizes in its terms that despite the important role as an assistance or an adjunct to law enforcement, the role played by private security officers, they are not viewed in any way, shape or form by this legislation nor by myself or my cosponsor the gentleman from California [Mr. Martinez] as usurping the authorities and duties of law enforcement officers. But that is a very important concern and one which we addressed specifically in the bill.”