WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) celebrated National Police Week and issued the following statement on House passage of three bills to support current and retired Law Enforcement Officers.
“The radical left’s soft-on-crime policies, dangerous rhetoric, and complete disregard for the rule of law encouraged crime and created a culture of lawlessness,” said Arrington.“Thankfully, Republicans – under the leadership of President Trump – are reversing course, and fighting to support, empower, and better equip our brave men and women in blue. This National Police Week and every week, we are reminded of the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s law enforcement officers, and we commit ourselves to ensuring they have the resources and tools they need to safely and effectively do their jobs.”
Background:
The House passed the following three bills to support current and retired law enforcement officers:
This legislation enhances the safety of police officers by requiring the Attorney General to develop a series of reports related to violent attacks on law enforcement officers, the efficacy of current data collection related to violent attacks on law enforcement officers, and the efficacy of programs intended to provide protective equipment and wellness resources to law enforcement officers.
As a result of Democrats' "Defund the Police" movement and anti-police rhetoric, law enforcement officers are facing increased threats and ambush-style attacks. In 2023, 378 officers were shot in the line of duty, the highest number ever recorded, with 115 ambush-style attacks. Tragically, 20 officers lost their lives as a result of these attacks.
Unsurprisingly, police departments across the country are struggling to recruit new officers. For example, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. has hit the lowest level of officers in fifty years.
H.R.2240 fills voids and advances information collection regarding attacks on law enforcement, including mental health impacts and resources, improving our understanding of anti-police violence and supporting the development of preventative strategies and wellness resources for our nation's police officers.
This legislation allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunitions in school zones covered by the Gun-Free School Zone Act, national parks, and certain federal facilities, as well as on state, local, and private property that is otherwise open to the public. It also reduces the frequency with which retired law enforcement officers are required to certify in firearms training from every 12 months to every 36 months.
In 2004, President Bush signed the Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act (LEOSA) into law, which exempts qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from local and state prohibitions on the carrying of concealed firearms, with certain restrictions and exceptions. LEOSA was amended in 2010 and 2013 to clarify who can qualify as a law enforcement officer and modify certain certification requirements.
Currently, LEOSA-certified law enforcement officers are prohibited under federal law from carrying concealed firearms in gun-free school zones, even in instances where individuals licensed through the state are permitted to carry on school property. Similarly, federal law permits law enforcement officers to carry firearms in certain low-risk federal facilities, including U.S. Post Offices, only in their official capacity. By removing these restrictions, H.R.2243 ensures LEOSA-certified officers have the ability to carry in the same venues as civilian concealed carry permit holders, prevents any officer from inadvertently putting themselves in legal jeopardy, and puts additional safety measures in the hands of responsible current and former law enforcement officers who have already been entrusted to protect the public.
This legislation reduces logistical and financial burdens on law enforcement officers, who spent their careers training with firearms, by extending the required certification period from 12 months to 36 months.
The bill establishes a program for federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired handguns at fair market value, so long as the officer is in good standing with the agency.
Currently, federal agencies needlessly destroy service weapons after they are retired from official use, at a cost to taxpayers.
This legislation saves taxpayer money and keeps officers and their families safe by allowing them to purchase service weapons after the weapon is officially retired.
