Collins Protects Law Enforcement’s Right to Bear Arms 

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May 10, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed H.R. 2137, the Federal Law Enforcement Self Defense and Protection Act by voice vote. Congressman Collins issued the following statement after the vote:

“Law enforcement officers make great sacrifices to serve and protect our communities. As the son of a Georgia State Trooper, I know firsthand the responsibilities and dangers of their job. Because of these dangers, federal law enforcement officers are allowed to carry their firearms with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even while off duty. During the 2013 government shutdown, at least three federal agencies determined that the lapse in federal appropriations funding required them to disarm their officers. More than 1800 highly trained officers were forbidden from carrying their agency issued firearms, or their personal firearms authorized by their agency. Crime does not stop during a government shutdown, and criminals do not get furloughed. Authorized officers need to be able to protect themselves and the public at all times, whether they are on duty or off.”

“As we honor our law enforcement officers during Police Week, we want to ensure their safety by giving them the capability to respond to any situation, any time. This bipartisan legislation recognizes that federal law enforcement officers can be confronted by job related threats at all times, and the dangers of their jobs don’t stop for temporary lapses in federal funding. I thank the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the National Association of Police Organizations for their support of this legislation and the law enforcement community. I also thank Congresswoman Gabbard from Hawaii, Congressman Reichert from Washington, and Congressman Pascrell from New Jersey for joining me to introduce H.R. 2137 and for their strong support for this bill.”

Click here to watch Congressman Collins’ speech on H.R. 2137 from earlier today

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