On the recordFebruary 26, 2016
The letter expresses the Police Foundation's grave concerns with this amendment. They write that this amendment ``will have a chilling effect on the enforcement of illegal gun possession and other crimes.'' Why would Congress narrow the limited set of enforcement tools our police officers currently have to pursue suspected gun traffickers? The Griffith amendment subjects a police officer to a personal lawsuit when he or she detains or arrests someone whom the officer reasonably believed at the time of detainment was illegally trafficking or was carrying a firearm. We must respect our officers' ability to use discretion, albeit limited, when determining if gun trafficking is occurring; so subjecting them to personal lawsuits when they are simply trying to do their jobs to protect us seems a little reckless. These brave men and women should not be afraid to carry out their investigative duties due to the fear of being sued. For this reason, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Huffman).
