Patrick Leahy: “Mr. Presdient, this Congress has been making important efforts to show our support and commitment to our Nation's law…”

“Mr. Presdient, this Congress has been making important efforts to show our support and commitment to our Nation's law enforcement officers. This week marks the 44th year that we have celebrated National Police Week. On May 1, the Senate passed a resolution sponsored by my colleague Senator Specter, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, and myself, marking May 15, 2007 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Earlier this week, I was honored to participate in that ceremony here at the Capitol hosted by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary. As we do each year, we gathered with the families of those who lost loved ones in 2006 while serving in the line of duty. We commemorated their sacrifice to keep us safe and secure. On Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 1700, the COPS Improvements Act of 2007, by an overwhelming vote of 381 to 34. The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to report the Senate's companion bill which I joined with Senator Biden to introduce. Despite tremendous support for this legislation, a Republican objection to passing the House bill has prevented this important legislation from passing the Senate. I am disappointed that Senate action on these vital improvements to the COPS Program has stalled, and I hope the objection is withdrawn so that the Senate can pass H.R. 1700.…”