Goodlatte Floor Statement on the "Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act"

Chairman Goodlatte: Mr. Speaker, as we honor our law enforcement heroes for the annual Police Week, I rise in support of HR 2137, the “Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act of 2015.” Federal law enforcement officers face potentially dangerous situations on a daily basis whether they are on duty or off duty.  Accordingly, they are permitted to carry their government issued firearms on their persons even when they are not on duty.  However, during the 2013 government shutdown, at least three federal agencies forbade their law enforcement officers from carrying their government issued firearms or credentials during the furlough.  This decision potentially endangered these officers’ lives by putting them at an unnecessary risk.  Further, it prevented these highly trained officers from being prepared to respond to a critical incident or threat. The Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act will ensure that officers are able to defend and protect themselves on and off-duty by allowing all covered federal law enforcement officers to continue to carry their government-issued firearms during a furlough or government shutdown.  Allowing our highly trained and experienced federal law enforcement officers to carry their firearms during a furlough not only ensures their safety and protection, but the safety and protection of their families and those around them. As we honor our nation’s law enforcement officers this week during the annual National Police Week, let’s ensure that the brave men and women of the federal law enforcement community have the capability to defend themselves and others and respond to threatening situations even in a time of furlough. I want to thank the bill’s sponsor, Mr. Collins for his work on this important measure. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.