Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I am proud to introduce a bill to reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act. I am pleased that Senator Coons, Senator Whitehouse, and Senator Schumer have joined me in this effort. When enacted, this legislation will continue for another five years the lifesaving grant program that Senator Campbell and I authored in 1998. This measure will continue Congress' strong commitment to the safety and security of our Nation's law enforcement officers. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, administered by the Department of Justice, provides financial assistance to State law enforcement agencies to help purchase bulletproof vests. This program is an important part of the Federal Government's overall policy to assist and support State and local law enforcement partners around the country. In February, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on this program and the need for reauthorization to emphasize just how important and effective this program has been. At that hearing, a representative from the Government Accountability Office testified that since 1987, data shows that body armor has saved the lives of 3,000 law enforcement officers. That is 3,000 men and women who may not otherwise have made it home to their families and loved ones. The BVP Program has assisted State and local jurisdictions with the purchase of nearly one million bulletproof vests since 1999. That is a measure of success all Senators should be proud of.…”