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Goodlatte Statement at Markup of the “Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act”

April 27, 2016
Chairman Goodlatte: Today we consider H.R. 2137, the “Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act of 2015,” introduced by Congressman Doug Collins. 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 firearm during a furlough or government shutdown. As we prepare to honor our nation’s law enforcement officers next month during the annual National Police Week, let’s ensure that the brave members of the federal law enforcement community have the capability to defend themselves 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. For more on today’s markup, click here.