Political Quotes

“Members of the House, I rise in support of H.R. 2137, the Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act. This bill would authorize Federal law enforcement officers to carry their government-issued firearms during government shutdowns and administrative furloughs that result from lapses in appropriations. Essentially, this measure would help ensure that those who protect us are able to continue to do so even during an official furlough. The ability of our Federal law enforcement officers to respond to critical incidents should not be impeded, particularly when violent crimes are committed in their presence. H.R. 2137 does not expand Federal law enforcement officers' authority to carry firearms. The bill merely authorizes these officers to continue to carry their federally issued firearms as if a furlough had not occurred. This legislation recognizes the very real threat of harm that many of our officers face, particularly special agents, on a regular basis--a threat that does not simply disappear because of a government shutdown. In 2012, for example, more than 1,800 Federal law enforcement officers were assaulted and, of those, approximately 200 sustained serious injuries. Even when off duty, Federal law enforcement officers remain the target of assault. For example, between 2011 and 2014, 27 law enforcement officers were killed while they were off duty.…”