Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security

Washington, D.C. – The House Judiciary Committee today approved by voice vote the Protecting Officers of the Law in Civilian Establishments Act of 2017 (H.R. 2561), the POLICE Act. This bill, authored by Congressman Trey Hollingsworth (R-Ind.), improves current law to ensure law enforcement officers have the ability to protect themselves. Attacks against police officers continue to rise across the country. For instance, in July 2016, police officers in Dallas, Texas were ambushed and fired upon, resulting in the death of five police officers and injuring another nine. Ten days later, six police officers were shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today delivered the following statement during the Committee’s markup of the POLICE Act (H.R. 2561). This bill, introduced by Representative Trey Hollingsworth (R-Ind.), improves current law to ensure law enforcement officers have the ability to protect themselves. Chairman Goodlatte: Today, I am pleased to consider for markup H.R.

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) applauded this week’s House passage of four bipartisan Judiciary Committee bills designed to honor the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and ensure they have the tools needed to do their job and keep the public safe. “Every day, police officers across the United States confront danger to keep us safe. From rural farmlands to bustling cities, law enforcement officers protect their fellow citizens from harm, keep the peace, and carry out justice. Last year alone, 135 officers lost their lives in the line of duty, including four from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today delivered the following statement on the House floor in support of the Protect and Serve Act (H.R. 5698). This bill provides a significant deterrent for those seeking to attack police officers. Chairman Goodlatte: On October 15, 1991, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated to honor federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people. The Memorial features two curving, 304-foot-long blue-gray marble walls.

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today gave the following statement on the House floor in support of the Justice Served Act of 2018 (H.R.4854). This legislation provides funding for grants to ensure that state and local law enforcement has the capacity to prosecute sexual assault crimes. Chairman Goodlatte: Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R.4854, the Justice Served Act of 2018, introduced by the gentleman from Texas, Judge Carter. All of us in this body are familiar with Debbie Smith and the tragedy of her attack and the triumph of the law that bears her name.

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today gave the following statement on the House floor in support of H.Res. 285, a resolution to empower the creation of police and community alliances. Chairman Goodlatte: Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I am pleased the House is considering this resolution today, which highlights the critical need to strengthen relationships between police departments and the communities they serve. This resolution – sponsored by the gentleman from the great Commonwealth of Virginia, Mr.

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today gave the following statement on the House floor in support of the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 613). This bill allows correctional officers to store firearms in lockers on prison grounds in order to protect themselves to and from work. Chairman Goodlatte: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.  I yield myself such time as I may consume. In 2004, Congress passed and President Bush signed into law the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA).

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives today approved by a vote of 221-197 the Citizens’ Right to Know Act (H.R. 2152). This bill, introduced by Congressman Ted Poe (R-Texas), ensures oversight of pre-trial release programs, which allow accused criminals to await their trial at home instead of in jail. Pre-trial release programs were intended for certain lower-risk accused criminals. However, since their inception, pre-trial release programs have expanded well beyond their intended scope and purpose.