Bart Stupak: “Mr. Chairman, I do believe that my amendment is germane to H.R. 2974. Whereas 2974 seeks to provide enhanced penalties…”

“Mr. Chairman, I do believe that my amendment is germane to H.R. 2974. Whereas 2974 seeks to provide enhanced penalties for crimes against elderly and children, it also specifies crimes against, and I quote, vulnerable persons. These are defined in the bill as individuals who, due to age, physical or mental condition or otherwise, are particularly susceptible to criminal conduct. When it is a situation where law-abiding citizens and laws enforcement officers are confronted by criminals wearing body armor, especially police officers, then I think it is fairly obvious to everyone except maybe the criminal that the police officer is in a vulnerable position. As such, this amendment is highly relevant and germane to the legislation before us today. Mr. Chairman, my amendment seeks to control the growing use of body armor by criminal elements and impose penalties for those who wear body armor while committing Federal crimes. Body armor, the protective personal devices commonly utilized by those in law enforcement, are vests and helmets made from Kevlar. Other advanced materials are increasingly becoming a common tool used by those who seek to break the law and victimize innocent citizens.”