Patrick Leahy: “I am proud to join Senator Campbell to introduce the ``Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2003,'' which permits…”

“I am proud to join Senator Campbell to introduce the ``Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2003,'' which permits current and retired law enforcement officers to carry a firearm and be prepared to assist in dangerous situations. During his time in the Senate, Senator Campbell has been a leader in the area of law enforcement. As a former deputy sheriff, he knows the difficulties law enforcement officers face due to the patchwork of conceal-carry laws in State and local jurisdictions. He and I have worked together on several pieces of law enforcement legislation, such as the Bulletproof Vests Partnership Grant Acts of 1998 and 2000. I look forward to working with him on our bipartisan bill. I am pleased that 30 Senators, including Judiciary Committee Chairman Hatch and Committee Members Schumer, Edwards, Feinstein, Grassley, Kyl, Sessions, DeWine, Craig, Graham, and Cornyn, as well as Assistant Democratic Leader Reid and Assistant Republican Leader McConnell--have joined Senator Campbell and me as original cosponsors of this bill in an effort to make our communities safer and better to protect law enforcement officers and their families. In the last Congress, Senator Hatch and I worked together to reach consensus and have the Judiciary Committee approve this legislation by an 18-1 vote.”