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Posted: 9/5/2002 2:56:25 PM EDT
[#1]
See Update:
The following press release is included for your review and information. The vote has not yet been rescheduled. ++++++++++++++++++++ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TIM RICHARDSON 5 SEPTEMBER 2001 DURBIN AMENDMENTS PREVENT COMMITTEE VOTE Steve Young, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, had strong words for Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) following news that a vote on the F.O.P.'s top priority, S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act," was postponed due to the number and nature of amendments he planned to offer. "I am not sure that Senator Durbin understands that this bill isn't about firearms, it's about the safety of law enforcement officers and the safety of our citizens," Young said. "The National Fraternal Order of Police will be working with the more than 35,000 members of the Illinois State Lodge to persuade Mr. Durbin to be more sensitive to the public safety implications of the legislation." S. 2480, introduced by Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT), would exempt qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from State and local prohibitions on the carrying of concealed firearms, enabling off-duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry their firearms, even when traveling outside their home jurisdiction. The Senate bill currently has thirty-four (34) cosponsors, eleven (11) of whom are members of the Judiciary Committee. "Chairman Leahy's support on this legislation has been tireless and unwavering," Young said. "But he can't stop other Senators from trying to block, delay or damage legislation considered by his committee--even when that legislation is his own." Senator Durbin strongly opposes the inclusion of retired law enforcement officers in the bill and designed several amendments to eliminate and restrict the bill's exemption for retirees. The F.O.P. refused to support amendments eliminating the retirees from the bill, because these officers are in no less jeopardy than active duty officers. The Senator also proposed another amendment which would extend the concealed carry authority beyond police officers to include active and retired judges, prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers as well as victims of violent crimes and their family members. "His last amendment is a 'poison pill' to prevent the bill from being considered on the Senate floor. Mr. Durbin knows that we have the votes in committee to defeat his pointless and damaging amendments," Young explained. "Apparently, he will do or say anything to block the passage of our number one legislative priority." Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) had also circulated amendments to the bill which the F.O.P. opposed. The number of both Senator's proposals forced Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy to postpone the vote. "This isn't a controversial bill to anyone but Senators Durbin and Kennedy," Young said. "I hope the committee will be able to reschedule the vote soon. Every day that goes by is one more day in which police officers are at risk." The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 300,000 members. ++++++++++++++++++++ F.O.P. members interested in contacting Senator Durbin's Washington office at (202) 224-2152 or any of his three offices in Illinois: Chicago, (312) 353-4952; Springfield, (217) 492-4062; or Marion, (618) 998-8812. Questions about the legislation or the amendments should be directed to Tim Richardson at the phone number below. National Legislative Office Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police 309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 PH: (202) 547-8189 F: (202) 547-8190 http://www.grandlodgefop.org |
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Posted: 9/6/2002 3:28:06 PM EDT
[#2]
The following press release is included for your review and
information. The vote has not yet been rescheduled. ++++++++++++++++++++ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TIM RICHARDSON 6 SEPTEMBER 2002 DURBIN: Guns for Pilots and Guards OK, but not for Cops Senator's Double Standard Perplexes F.O.P. Steve Young, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, expressed great disappointment with Senator Richard J. Durbin's (D-IL) successful effort yesterday to derail a committee vote on the F.O.P.'s top priority, S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act." A few hours later, Senator Durbin voted in favor of arming airline pilots. "I am bemused," said Young. "You don't necessarily expect consistency from politicians, but you don't expect this kind of contradictory behavior either. Senator Durbin opposes our legislation, which would permit active and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms when outside their home jurisdiction, but then he votes to deputize 85,000 pilots so that they can carry firearms across State lines?" Senator Durbin voted in favor of Senate Amendment 4492, the "Arming Pilots Against Terrorists and Cabin Defense Act of 2002." The amendment provides a program by which airline pilots can be deputized as "Federal flight deck officers," enabling them to carry firearms. Earlier in the day, Senator Durbin offered several amendments to S. 2480, which he opposes, in order to prevent the Judiciary Committee from voting on the bill. S. 2480, introduced by Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT), would exempt qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from State and local prohibitions on the carrying of concealed firearms, enabling off-duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry their firearms, even when traveling outside their home jurisdiction. The Senate bill currently has thirty-four (34) cosponsors, eleven (11) of whom are members of the Judiciary Committee. "The F.O.P. has always viewed Senator Durbin as an ally of law enforcement. I cannot explain his actions in committee yesterday when examined in the context of his vote to arm airline pilots," said Young. "It is possible that he is voting at the behest of some special interest group. We note that for the 2001-2002 election cycle, Senator Durbin is the number two recipient in the Senate of campaign contributions from the air transportation unions. During this same period, he received $20,107 from American Airlines and $16,500 from United Airlines." Durbin was a member of the House in 1993 when it approved H.R. 1189, the "Armored Car Industry Reciprocity Act," by voice vote. The House approved the measure again when the amended bill returned from the Senate on 13 July. The bill, which was ultimately signed into law, mandated reciprocity for weapons licenses issued to armored car company crew members. Then-Representative Durbin registered no objection and offered no amendments. On 9 October 1998, the Senate approved, by unanimous consent, H.R. 624, the "Armored Car Reciprocity Amendments Act," which provided that the State issuing the licenses must renew them every two years. That bill is also law. The Senator offered no objections or amendments to the bill. "Ultimately, we hope to convince Senator Durbin to support us on this issue," Young said. "I don't know why he has no objections to arming pilots or armored car guards, but objects to extending that same authority to active and retired law enforcement officers, who have the knowledge, training and experience that pilots and armored car guards lack. It just doesn't make sense." The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 300,000 members. |
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Posted: 9/10/2002 1:19:42 AM EDT
[#3]
Robertesq1,,,wow,,,keep us with the updates. Thank you for posting them. I hope this bill passes. Having cops armed nation wide, crossing juridiction is a major plus in "public safety"
I can't tell you how many times I've cross CA into AZ or NV and didn't bring my gun with me. I kept it in the car. Especially to Las Vegas. Crime is everywhere and the more cops that carry off duty across state lines, the safer the public will be. |
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Posted: 9/10/2002 7:21:40 AM EDT
[#4]
Hk45USP
My Pleasure. It may come as a suprise to you, as it has to many of us LEO members here, that many AR15 members do not view this bill or its principles faverably. I posted a link to one of many threads on the subject for your info. http://ar15.com/forums/topic.html?id=116914 Robert |
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Posted: 9/11/2002 3:45:07 PM EDT
[#5]
Additional info:
Dear Fellow F.O.P. Member: Thank you for using the “Write to Congress” function of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) to write your Representative and Senators regarding the top legislative priorities of the Fraternal Order of Police. It is because of members like you that we have been able to move the F.O.P.’s legislative agenda forward. Because of your interest in the success of issues such as H.R. 218, our law enforcement concealed carry bill, or our nationwide collective bargaining legislation, we have added your email address to our distribution list for our Weekly Legislative Updates. In it, you will find timely information about the week in Congress, the status of our top legislative priorities, and the legislative activities of the National Fraternal Order of Police. If this is not your first time using the “Write to Congress” feature, you are already a part of this important information network. In addition, to further help move our legislative agenda, the Grand Lodge has also established a Grassroots Action Network comprised of F.O.P. members from across the nation and in every State Lodge. To find out how you can join this exciting new program, simply send an email to [email protected] and request additional information on the Grassroots Action Network! Thank you again for your support. Fraternally, Jim Pasco Executive Director National Legislative Office |
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Posted: 9/18/2002 4:07:24 PM EDT
[#6]
WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
For the Week of 13 September 2002 A. S. 2480, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act”/H.R. 218, the “Community Protection Act:” On 8 May, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) introduced S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act." The bill is the Senate companion to H.R. 218 and is identical in every way, save for its title. On 23 July, National President Steve Young testified in support of the legislation before the Senate Judiciary Committee. On 5 September, the Judiciary Committee planned to mark-up the legislation. The F.O.P. was made aware of several amendments that Senators Durbin and Kennedy planned to introduce, in an effort to water down or defeat the legislation. Following a lengthy vote on a judicial nominee, Senator Durbin was recognized by the Chairman and opened with remarks making it clear that he opposed any inclusion of an exemption for retired law enforcement officers. The amendments he intended to offer would eliminate or restrict the bill's provisions with respect to retirees. His final proposed amendment would extend the exemption beyond police officers to include active and retired judges, prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers as well as victims of violent crimes and their family members. We believe that this amendment was offered for strategic reasons, namely as a "poison pill" to make the bill more controversial, thus hurting its chances for consideration on the floor. In his remarks, Senator Durbin made explicit reference to the fact that the F.O.P. had provided the Committee with the names of 54 slain police officers, all of whom were considered line of duty deaths, even though they were not on the clock and, to the best of our knowledge, unarmed when they were killed. Senator Durbin said the F.O.P. produced no evidence that retired officers were at risk-- and related a story about a 77 year old retired officer who accidentally shot and killed his wife-- to justify his opposition to the bill. WE STILL NEED STORIES, ANECDOTES AND NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT RETIRED OFFICERS WHO RESPONDED TO THE CALL OF DUTY--REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A FIREARM WAS INVOLVED. WE NEED YOUR INPUT!! Given the impending absence of a quorum, which would have prevented any further Committee business, Chairman Leahy was forced to postpone the mark-up on S. 2480 before the Durbin or Kennedy amendments could be considered. At this time, the Chairman plans to mark-up the bill on Thursday, 19 September. The same day Senator Durbin acted to delay a vote on S. 2480, he voted in favor of Senate Amendment 4492, the "Arming Pilots Against Terrorism and Cabin Defense Act of 2002." The amendment creates a program which would permit airline pilots to be deputized as "Federal flight deck officers," enabling them to carry firearms. The F.O.P. opposes ALL of the Durbin amendments and all but one of the Kennedy amendments. We will be working to ensure that these amendments fail if offered at the next mark-up. We are asking ALL F.O.P. Members to contact their Senators--especially those on the Judiciary Committee (listed below) and ask them to vote AGAINST the Durbin and Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 2480. The following Members are cosponsors of the bill--ask them to vote AGAINST the Durbin and Kennedy amendments and THANK them for supporting our bill. Senator Patrick J. Leahy, Chairman (VT) Staff Contact: Ed Pagano, 202-224-7703 email: [email protected] Senator Orrin G Hatch, Ranking Member (UT) Staff contact: Dabney Friedrich 202-224-5225 email: [email protected] Senator Strom Thurmond (SC) Staff contact: Scott Frick, 202-224-4135 email: [email protected] Senator Charles E. Grassley (IA) Staff contact: Chad Groover, 202-224-5564 email: [email protected] Senator Jon L. Kyl (AZ) Staff contact: Joe Matal, 202-224-4521 email: n/a, website: kyl.senate.gov Senator Mike DeWine (OH) Staff contact: Evelyn Fortier, 202-224-9494 email: [email protected] Senator Jeff Sessions (AL) Staff contact: Ed Haden, 202-224-7572 email: [email protected] Senator Sam Brownback (KS) Staff contact: Glenn Chambers, 202-2246098 email: [email protected] Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) Staff contact: John Abeg, 202-224-2541 email: [email protected] Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA) Staff contact: David Hantman, 202-224-4933 email: n/a, website: feinstein.senate.gov Senator Maria Cantwell (WA) Staff contact: Beth Stein, 202-224-3441 email: [email protected] Senator John R. Edwards (NC) Staff contact: Robert Gordon, 202-2243154 email: n/a, website: edwards.senate.gov The following Members of the Judiciary Committee are NOT cosponsors. Contact them and ask them to vote AGAINST the Durbin and Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 2480: Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA) Staff contact: Robin Toone, 202-224-7878 [Senator Kennedy intends to vote against the bill as introduced.] email: [email protected] Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr (DE) Staff contact: Eric Rosen, 202-224-0558 email: [email protected] Senator Herbert H. Kohl (WI) Staff contact: Jeff Miller, 202-224-3406 email: [email protected] Senator Russ Feingold (WI) Staff contact: Alex Buzansk, 202-224-5573 email: n/a, website: feingold.senate.gov Senator Charles E. Schumer (NY) Staff contact: Jeff Berman, 202-224-6542 email: [email protected] Senator Richard J. Durbin (IL) Staff contact: Chris Kang, 202-224-2152 email: [email protected] Senator Arlen Specter (PA) Staff contact: Larry Costas, 202-224-4254 email: [email protected] |
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Posted: 9/18/2002 4:08:12 PM EDT
[#7]
Continued:
Be advised that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed a "Legislative Alert" in our "Write to Congress" section. There you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Senator Durbin which asks him to withdraw his amendments and support S. 2480. Make sure you get this information out to the State Lodges in your region! We added two (2) cosponsors to S. 2480 this week: Senators Mary L. Landrieu (D-LA) and Richard C. Shelby (R-AL), bringing our total to thirty-six (36) Senators and a majority (11) of the members of the Judiciary Committee. The full list is online at http://thomas.loc.gov . Congratulations to the State Lodges in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Virginia, who have BOTH of their Senators as cosponsors! We currently have two hundred and sixty-five (265) cosponsors on H.R. 218. The full list is online at http://thomas.loc.gov . The remaining Members who were cosponsors in the 106th Congress but have not signed on this year are listed below. We are asking that our local members continue to keep the pressure on these Representatives: ALABAMA TEXAS WASHINGTON Callahan Paul Inslee Smith We are continuing to press for the passage of H.R. 218 and are making our case to the House leadership. Currently, we have House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-TX), Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-OK) and Republican Policy Chair Christopher Cox (R-CA) as cosponsors. On the Democratic side, we have Democratic Caucus Chair Martin Frost (D-TX). Be advised that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed a "Legislative Alert" in our "Write to Congress" section. There you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Chairman Sensenbrenner which asks him to allow H.R. 218 to come to a vote. Make sure you get this information out to the local lodges and members in your State! B. H.R. 1475/ S. 952, the “Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act:” We currently have two hundred and twenty-five (225) cosponsors on H.R. 1475 (Collective Bargaining). The full list of cosponsors is attached. We currently have twenty-two (22) cosponsors on S. 952 (Collective Bargaining). The bill passed the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on 13 September 2001. An amendment to H.R. 3061, the appropriations measure for the Departments of Education, Labor and Health and Human Services, very similar to the bill was defeated on a cloture vote, 56-44. On 22 January, the bill was placed on the Senate Calendar--which means that the bill can be called to the floor at any time by the Majority Leader. C. H.R. 1626/S. 840, the “State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability, and Due Process Act:” We currently have twenty (20) cosponsors on H.R. 1626 (Due Process). The full list is online at http://thomas.loc.gov . We currently have three (3) cosponsors on S. 840 (Due Process). The full list is online at http://thomas.loc.gov . D. Social Security Legislation: We currently have one hundred and seventy-five (175) cosponsors on H.R. 2638 (Windfall and Gov't Pension Offset). The complete list is online at http://thomas.loc.gov We currently have twelve (12) cosponsors on S. 1523 (Windfall and Government Pension Offset). The list is attached. We added two (2) new cosponsors to H.R. 664 (Government Pension Offset)Reps. Anibal Acevedo-Vila (D-PR) and Luis Gutierrez (D-IL)--bringing our current total to two hundred and ninety-seven (297). We added one (1) new cosponsor to S. 611 (Government Pension Offset)Sen. Mark Dayton (D-MN)bringing our current total to thirty-six (36). We added two (2) new cosponsors to H.R. 848 (Windfall)Reps. Carrie Meek (D-FL) and Lane Evans (D-IL)bringing our current total to one hundred and forty-seven (147) cosponsors. III. OTHER LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY: On 10 September, Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson attended a law enforcement working group meeting at the Office of National Drug Control Policy to discuss the new initiatives aimed to combat the use, sale and addiction to marijuana. Executive Director Jim Pasco attended the National Board Meeting in Denver this past weekend. ++++WRITE TO SENATOR DURBIN AND CHAIRMAN SENSENBRENNER ++++ The Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed two "Legislative Alerts" in our "Write to Congress" section. Once there, you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Senator Durbin, which asks him to withdraw his proposed amendments to S. 2480. A second alert to Chairman Sensenbrenner asks him to allow H.R. 218 to come to a vote. Make sure you get this information out to the local lodges and members in your State! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Remember that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) reactivated its "Write to Congress" section. The section has pre-written letters for every one of the F.O.P.'s top legislative priorities. F.O.P. members can search for their Representative and Senators by zip code and click to send them a message asking for their support for any or all of our legislative priorities. Please continue to use and advertise this feature! As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact that National Legislative Office at (202) 547 8189 or [email protected] Chris L. Granberg Senior Legislative Liaison Fraternal Order of Police National Legislative Office 309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (O) (202) 547 - 8189 (F) (202) 547 - 8190 grandlodgefop.org |
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Posted: 9/24/2002 2:20:49 PM EDT
[#8]
For the Week of 20 September
The Senate continued to debate H.R. 5005, the "Homeland Security Act" and H.R. 5093, the spending bill for the Department of the Interior. On 17 September, the House Committee on Financial Services favorably reported H.R. 3995, the “Housing Affordability for America Act.” The legislation contains an F.O.P.-proposed amendment which includes Federal law enforcement officers within the three programs designed to improve homeownership opportunities for public safety officers. II. UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: The complete list of all cosponsors for each of the top legislative priorities is available online at 1. http://thomas.loc.gov A. S. 2480, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act”/H.R. 218, the “Community Protection Act:” On 8 May, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) introduced S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act." The bill is the Senate companion to H.R. 218 and is identical in every way, save for its title. On 23 July, National President Steve Young testified in support of the legislation. On 5 September, the Judiciary Committee planned to mark-up the legislation. The F.O.P. was made aware of several amendments that Senators Durbin and Kennedy planned to introduce, in an effort to water down or defeat the legislation. Following a lengthy vote on a judicial nominee, Senator Durbin was recognized by the Chairman and opened with remarks making it clear that he opposed any inclusion of an exemption for retired law enforcement officers. Given the impending absence of a quorum, which would have prevented any further Committee business, Chairman Leahy was forced to postpone the mark-up on S. 2480 before the Durbin or Kennedy amendments could be considered. The Chairman planned to complete the mark-up at the next meeting of the Committee on Thursday, 19 September. In the interim, the National Legislative Office and Senator Durbin's Washington staff reached an agreement addressing some of Senator Durbin's concerns with the legislation. Pursuant to this agreement, at the 19 September mark-up the Senator offered a single amendment making minor changes to the legislation, which were approved by the Fraternal Order of Police. The amendment was accepted by the Chairman and sponsor of the bill, Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT). Following the adoption of the Durbin amendment, Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) was recognized and spoke out strongly against the bill, describing it as a "giant step in the wrong direction." He stated that he believed the bill to be an "affront" to States' rights and that he saw "no justification" to include retirees. He offered four amendments, despite knowing that the votes were present and in place to defeat them. We believe this was an effort to prevent a vote on the bill itself, which certainly had the votes to pass. His delaying tactics succeeded, because the committee was unable to maintain a quorum long enough to consider all four amendments. The amendments are as follows: Amendment No. 599: This amendment would restrict the type of firearm that an active or retired law enforcement officer would be able to carry to ONLY the weapon issued to him by the law enforcement agency for which the officer works or worked. This amendment was defeated in a 9-9 vote. Amendment No. 701: This amendment would allow political subdivisions of States (local governments) to prohibit off-duty active and retired law enforcement officers from carrying under the provisions of the bill. Amendment No. 702: This amendment would eliminate the exemption for retired officers--meaning that no retired officer would be able to carry under the provisions of the bill. Amendment No. 710: This amendment would prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms in churchs, schools, sports venues, government offices, hospitals or any place where alcohol is served. Only one amendment, No. 599, which would restrict the type of firearm that could be carried, was considered before the quorum was lost. It failed on a tie vote. The Senators voting FOR the amendment and AGAINST the F.O.P. were as follows: Senators Kennedy, Biden (D-DE), Kohl (D-WI), Feinstein (D-CA), Feingold (D-WI), Schumer (D-NY), Durbin, Cantwell (D-WA) and Specter (R-PA). The Senators voting AGAINST the amendment and WITH the F.O.P. were as follows: Senators Leahy (D-VT), Hatch (R-UT), Thurmond (R-SC), Grassley (R-IA), Kyl (R-AZ), DeWine (R-OH), Sessions (R-AL), Brownback (R-KS), and McConnell (R-KY). Senator Edwards (D-NC) was not present and did not vote. Chairman Leahy made every effort to maintain a quorum so that the amendments on the bill could be resolved and a final vote taken. Unfortunately, because of the Senate business on the floor and in other committees, he was unable to do so. Thus, further consideration of S. 2480 has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a future meeting of the Judiciary Committee. A press release on the committee mark-up is below at No. III. It is CRITICAL that we get the word out to our members to contact Senator Kennedy and register our view on his opposition to our TOP PRIORITY. The F.O.P. website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has a letter which you can send to Senator Kennedy. SENATOR KENNEDY'S OFFICE MUST ALSO BE FLOODED WITH PHONE CALLS AND FAXES. E-MAIL ALONE WON'T GET THE JOB DONE!!! PLEASE TAKE THE EXTRA TIME TO PHONE SENATOR KENNEDY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. OR HIS BOSTON OFFICE. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA) Staff contact: Robin Toone, 202-224-7878; Fax (202) 224-2417 Boston office phone number: (617) 565-3170 [email protected] Cont.... |
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Posted: 9/24/2002 2:23:36 PM EDT
[#9]
WE STILL NEED STORIES, ANECDOTES AND NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT RETIRED OFFICERS WHO RESPONDED TO THE CALL OF DUTY--REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A FIREARM WAS INVOLVED. WE NEED THIS INFORMATION TO DEFEAT SENATOR KENNEDY'S EFFORTS TO REMOVE RETIREES FROM THE BILL.
The F.O.P. will continue to oppose ALL of the Kennedy amendments and will work to ensure that these amendments fail if offered at the next mark-up. We are asking ALL F.O.P. Members to contact their Senators--especially those on the Judiciary Committee (listed below) and ask them to vote AGAINST the Durbin and Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 2480. The cosponsors of the bill are listed above --ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and THANK them for supporting our bill. The following Members of the Judiciary Committee are NOT cosponsors. Contact them and ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 2480: Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA) Staff contact: Robin Toone, 202-224-7878 [Senator Kennedy intends to vote against the bill as introduced.] email: [email protected] Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr (DE) Staff contact: Eric Rosen, 202-224-0558 email: [email protected] Senator Herbert H. Kohl (WI) Staff contact: Jeff Miller, 202-224-3406 email: [email protected] Senator Russ Feingold (WI) Staff contact: Alex Buzansk, 202-224-5573 email: n/a, website: feingold.senate.gov Senator Charles E. Schumer (NY) Staff contact: Jeff Berman, 202-224-6542 email: [email protected] Senator Richard J. Durbin (IL) Staff contact: Chris Kang, 202-224-2152 email: [email protected] Senator Arlen Specter (PA) Staff contact: Larry Costas, 202-224-4254 email: [email protected] Be advised that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed a "Legislative Alert" in our "Write to Congress" section. There you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Senator Kennedy which asks him to withdraw his amendments and support S. 2480. Make sure you get this information out to the local lodges and members in your State! We added one (1) cosponsor to S. 2480 this week: Senator Harry M. Reid (D-NV), the Majority Whip. This brings our total number of cosponsors to thirty-seven (37) Senators and a majority (11) of the members of the Judiciary Committee. Congratulations to the State Lodges in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Virginia, who have BOTH of their Senators as cosponsors! We added one (1) cosponsor to H.R. 218, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), bringing our total to two hundred and sixty-six (266). The remaining Members who were cosponsors in the 106th Congress but have not signed on this year are listed below. We are asking that our local members continue to keep the pressure on these Representatives: ALABAMA TEXAS WASHINGTON Callahan Paul Inslee Smith We are continuing to press for the passage of H.R. 218 and are making our case to the House leadership. Currently, we have House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-TX), Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-OK) and Republican Policy Chair Christopher Cox (R-CA) as cosponsors. On the Democratic side, we have Democratic Caucus Chair Martin Frost (D-TX). Be advised that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed a "Legislative Alert" in our "Write to Congress" section. There you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Chairman Sensenbrenner which asks him to allow H.R. 218 to come to a vote. Make sure you get this information out to the local lodges and members in your State! B. H.R. 1475/S. 952, the “Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act:” Cont... |
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Posted: 9/24/2002 2:24:32 PM EDT
[#10]
We currently have two hundred and twenty-five (225) cosponsors on H.R. 1475 (Collective Bargaining).
We currently have twenty-two (22) cosponsors on S. 952 (Collective Bargaining). The bill passed the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on 13 September 2001. An amendment to H.R. 3061, the appropriations measure for the Departments of Education, Labor and Health and Human Services, very similar to the bill was defeated on a cloture vote, 56-44. On 22 January, the bill was placed on the Senate Calendar--which means that the bill can be called to the floor at any time by the Majority Leader. C. H.R. 1626/S. 840, the “State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability and Due Process Act:” We currently have twenty (20) cosponsors on H.R. 1626 (Due Process). We currently have three (3) cosponsors on S. 840 (Due Process). D. Social Security Legislation: We added four (4) cosponsors to H.R. 2638 (Windfall and Government Pension Offset)Reps. John McHugh (R-NY), Ed Royce (R-CA), Darlene Hooley (D-OR), and Donald Manzullo (R-IL)bringing our current total to one hundred and seventy-nine (179). We added two (2) cosponsors to S. 1523 (Windfall and Government Pension Offset)Sens. Mark Dayton (D-MN) and Max Cleland (D-GA)bringing our total to fourteen (14). We currently have two hundred and ninety-seven (297) cosponsors on H.R. 664 (Government Pension Offset). We currently have thirty-six (36) cosponsors onS. 611 (Government Pension Offset). We added two (2) new cosponsors to H.R. 848 (Windfall)Reps. Donald Manzullo (R-IL) and Gene Green (D-TX)bringing our current total to one hundred and forty-nine (149) cosponsors. III. PRESS RELEASE: (19 September 2002)-- Kennedy Calls Officer Safety Act a "Giant Step in the Wrong Direction;" Senator's Anti-Gun Agenda Jeopardizes Public Safety and the Safety of Officers Nationwide Steve Young, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, took issue with Senator Edward M. Kennedy's (D-MA) opposition to the F.O.P.'s top priority, S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act." "The number of amendments he offered at the mark-up today were clearly intended to gut the bill and prevent a vote on final passage--a vote we would have won," said Young. "It is clear to me that Senator Kennedy just doesn't understand--this bill isn't about firearms, it's about the safety of law enforcement officers and the safety of our citizens. The National Fraternal Order of Police will be working with the members of the Massachusetts State Lodge to persuade Mr. Kennedy to be more sensitive to the public safety implications of the legislation." S. 2480, introduced by Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT), would exempt qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from State and local prohibitions on the carrying of concealed firearms, enabling off-duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry their firearms, even when traveling outside their home jurisdiction. The Senate bill currently has thirty-six (36) cosponsors, eleven (11) of whom are members of the Judiciary Committee. "Senator Kennedy opposes this bill because he doesn't like guns--pure and simple," Young explained. "At the mark-up, he called for closing the gun show loophole and extending the length of time the FBI holds on to background checks. Neither of these issues has anything to do with this bill, which is to enhance public safety and the personal safety of officers outside their jurisdictions." One of the four amendments proposed by Senator Kennedy would have eliminated the ability of qualified retired officers to carry their firearms under the provisions of the bill. The others would have recreated on a local level the same patchwork of different laws that the bill aims to correct at the State level. "This isn't a controversial bill to anyone but Senator Kennedy," Young said. "I hope the committee will be able to reschedule the vote soon. Every day that goes by is one more day in which police officers are at risk." The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 300,000 members. IV. OTHER LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY: On 18 September, Executive Director Jim Pasco attended a meeting of the Federal Salary Council. As reported above, on 19 September, the Senate Judiciary Committee began consideration of S. 2480, the Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act and amendments thereto. On 20 September, Senior Legislative Liaisons Tim Richardson and Chris Granberg, along with Legislative Assistant Tara Stoveken, attended a meeting with Senator Hatch's Judiciary Committee staff. ++WRITE TO SENATOR KENNEDY AND CHAIRMAN SENSENBRENNER ++ The Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed two "Legislative Alerts" in our "Write to Congress" section. Once there, you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Senator Kennedy, which asks him to withdraw his proposed amendments to S. 2480. A second alert to Chairman Sensenbrenner asks him to allow H.R. 218 to come to a vote. Make sure you get this information out to the local lodges and members in your State! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Remember that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) reactivated its "Write to Congress" section. The section has pre-written letters for every one of the F.O.P.'s top legislative priorities. F.O.P. members can search for their Representative and Senators by zip code and click to send them a message asking for their support for any or all of our legislative priorities. Please continue to use and advertise this feature! As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the National Legislative Office at (202) 547 8189 or [email protected] . (NOTE: To be removed from this mailing list, please send an email to [email protected], and write “REMOVE” in the subject line.) Chris L. Granberg Senior Legislative Liaison Fraternal Order of Police National Legislative Office 309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002(O) (202) 547 - 8189 (F) (202) 547 - 8190 grandlodgefop.org |
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Posted: 10/1/2002 1:50:40 PM EDT
[#11]
II. UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: (The cosponsor list for all F.O.P. Top Legislative Priorities is available online at http://thomas.loc.gov )
A. S. 2480, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act”/H.R. 218, the “Community Protection Act:” We added two (2) cosponsors to S. 2480 this week: Sens. Frank Murkowski (R-AK) and Conrad Burns (R-MT). This brings our total number of cosponsors to thirty-nine (39) Senators and a majority (11) of the members of the Judiciary Committee. Congratulations to the State Lodges in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Virginia, who have BOTH of their Senators as cosponsors! SENATE JUDICIARY SCHEDULED TO MARK UP S. 2480 THIS WEEK! On Thursday, 3 October, the Senate Judiciary Committee will meet again to consider S. 2480, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act.” As discussed below and in prior editions of this update, Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) continues to strongly oppose the bill, describing it as a "giant step in the wrong direction" at the previous mark-up held on 19 September. He stated that he believed the bill to be an "affront" to States' rights and that he saw "no justification" to include retirees. It is CRITICAL that we get the word out to our members to contact Senator Kennedy and register our view on his opposition to our TOP PRIORITY. The F.O.P. website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has a letter which you can send to Senator Kennedy. SENATOR KENNEDY'S OFFICE MUST ALSO BE FLOODED WITH PHONE CALLS AND FAXES. E-MAIL ALONE WON'T GET THE JOB DONE!!! PLEASE TAKE THE EXTRA TIME TO PHONE SENATOR KENNEDY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. OR HIS BOSTON OFFICE. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA) Staff contact: Robin Toone, 202-224-7878; Fax (202) 228-0464 Staff contact in Boston office: Tom Cronyn, (617) 565-3170 [email protected] Senator Kennedy intends to offer a series of amendments to the bill (which are described in greater detail below) in an effort to delay a vote and carve out the provisions of the bill which apply to retirees. The first amendment would allow political subdivisions of States (local governments) to prohibit off-duty active and retired law enforcement officers from carrying under the provisions of the bill; the second would eliminate the exemption for retired officers, and the last would prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms in churches, schools, sports venues, government offices, hospitals or any place where alcohol is served. The F.O.P. will continue to oppose ALL of the Kennedy amendments and will work to ensure that these amendments fail if offered at this week’s mark-up. We are asking ALL F.O.P. Members to contact their Senators--especially those on the Judiciary Committee (listed below) and ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 2480. The following Members are cosponsors of the bill--ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and THANK them for supporting our bill. Senator Patrick J. Leahy, Chairman (VT) Staff Contact: Ed Pagano, 202-224-7703 email: [email protected] Senator Orrin G Hatch, Ranking Member (UT) Staff contact: Dabney Friedrich 202-224-5225 email: [email protected] Senator Strom Thurmond (SC) Staff contact: Scott Frick, 202-224-4135 email: [email protected] Senator Charles E. Grassley (IA) Staff contact: Chad Groover, 202-224-5564 email: [email protected] Senator Jon L. Kyl (AZ) Staff contact: Joe Matal, 202-224-4521 email: n/a, website: kyl.senate.gov Senator Mike DeWine (OH) Staff contact: Evelyn Fortier, 202-224-9494 email: [email protected] Senator Jeff Sessions (AL) Staff contact: Ed Haden or William Smith, 202-224-7572 email: [email protected] Senator Sam Brownback (KS) Staff contact: Glenn Chambers, 202-224-6521 email: [email protected] Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) Staff contact: John Abeg, 202-224-2541 email: [email protected] Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA) Staff contact: David Hantman, 202-224-4933 email: n/a, website: feinstein.senate.gov Senator Maria Cantwell (WA) Staff contact: Beth Stein, 202-224-3441 email: [email protected] Senator John R. Edwards (NC) Staff contact: Robert Gordon, 202-2243154email: n/a, website: edwards.senate.gov The following Members of the Judiciary Committee are NOT cosponsors. Contact them and ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 2480: Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA) Staff contact: Robin Toone, 202-224-7878 [Senator Kennedy intends to vote against the bill as introduced.] email: [email protected] Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr (DE) Staff contact: Eric Rosen, 202-224-0558 email: [email protected] Senator Herbert H. Kohl (WI) Staff contact: Jeff Miller, 202-224-3406 email: [email protected] Senator Russ Feingold (WI) Staff contact: Alex Buzansk, 202-224-5573 email: n/a, website: feingold.senate.gov Senator Charles E. Schumer (NY) Staff contact: Jeff Berman, 202-224-6542 email: [email protected] Senator Richard J. Durbin (IL) Staff contact: Chris Kang, 202-224-2152 email: [email protected] Senator Arlen Specter (PA) Staff contact: Larry Costas, 202-224-4254 email: [email protected] Be advised that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed a "Legislative Alert" in our "Write to Congress" section. There you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Senator Kennedy which asks him to withdraw his amendments and support S. 2480. Make sure you get this information out to the local lodges and members in your State! cont... |
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Posted: 10/1/2002 2:07:18 PM EDT
[#12]
WE STILL NEED STORIES, ANECDOTES AND NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT RETIRED OFFICERS WHO RESPONDED TO THE CALL OF DUTY--REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A FIREARM WAS INVOLVED. WE NEED THIS INFORMATION TO DEFEAT SENATOR KENNEDY'S EFFORTS TO REMOVE RETIREES FROM THE BILL.
BACKGROUND: On 8 May, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) introduced S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act." The bill is the Senate companion to H.R. 218 and is identical in every way, save for its title. On 23 July, National President Steve Young testified in support of the legislation. On 5 September, the Judiciary Committee planned to mark-up the legislation. The F.O.P. was made aware of several amendments that Senators Durbin and Kennedy intended to introduce, in an effort to water down or defeat the legislation. Following a lengthy vote on a judicial nominee, Senator Durbin was recognized by the Chairman and opened with remarks making it clear that he opposed any inclusion of an exemption for retired law enforcement officers. Given the impending absence of a quorum, which would have prevented any further Committee business, Chairman Leahy was forced to postpone the mark-up on S. 2480 before the Durbin or Kennedy amendments could be considered. The Chairman planned to complete the mark-up at the next meeting of the Committee on Thursday, 19 September. In the interim, the National Legislative Office and Senator Durbin's Washington staff reached an agreement addressing some of Senator Durbin's concerns with the legislation. Pursuant to this agreement, at the 19 September mark-up the Senator offered a single amendment making minor changes to the legislation, which were approved by the Fraternal Order of Police. The amendment was accepted by the Chairman and sponsor of the bill, Senator Leahy. Following the adoption of the Durbin amendment, Senator Kennedy was recognized and spoke out strongly against the bill, describing it as a "giant step in the wrong direction." He stated that he believed the bill to be an "affront" to States' rights and that he saw "no justification" to include retirees. He offered four amendments, despite knowing that the votes were present and in place to defeat them. We believe this was an effort to prevent a vote on the bill itself, which certainly had the votes to pass. His delaying tactics succeeded, because the committee was unable to maintain a quorum long enough to consider all four amendments. The amendments are as follows: Amendment No. 599: This amendment would restrict the type of firearm that an active or retired law enforcement officer would be able to carry to ONLY the weapon issued to him by the law enforcement agency for which the officer works or worked. This amendment was defeated in a 9-9 vote. Amendment No. 701: This amendment would allow political subdivisions of States (local governments) to prohibit off-duty active and retired law enforcement officers from carrying under the provisions of the bill. Amendment No. 702: This amendment would eliminate the exemption for retired officers--meaning that no retired officer would be able to carry under the provisions of the bill. Amendment No. 710: This amendment would prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms in churches, schools, sports venues, government offices, hospitals or any place where alcohol is served. Only one amendment, No. 599, which would restrict the type of firearm that could be carried, was considered before the quorum was lost. It failed on a tie vote. The Senators voting FOR the amendment and AGAINST the F.O.P. were as follows: Senators Kennedy, Biden (D-DE), Kohl (D-WI), Feinstein (D-CA), Feingold (D-WI), Schumer (D-NY), Durbin, Cantwell (D-WA) and Specter (R-PA). The Senators voting AGAINST the amendment and WITH the F.O.P. were as follows: Senators Leahy (D-VT), Hatch (R-UT), Thurmond (R-SC), Grassley (R-IA), Kyl (R-AZ), DeWine (R-OH), Sessions (R-AL), Brownback (R-KS), and McConnell (R-KY). Senator Edwards (D-NC) was not present and did not vote. Chairman Leahy made every effort to maintain a quorum so that the amendments on the bill could be resolved and a final vote taken. Unfortunately, because of the Senate business on the floor and in other committees, he was unable to do so. Thus, further consideration of S. 2480 was postponed until a future meeting of the Judiciary Committee. We added one (1) cosponsor to H.R. 218Rep. Baron Hill (D-IN)bringing our total to two hundred and sixty-seven (267). The remaining Members who were cosponsors in the 106th Congress but have not signed on this year are listed below. We are asking that our local members continue to keep the pressure on these Representatives: ALABAMA TEXAS WASHINGTON Callahan Paul Inslee Smith We are continuing to press for the passage of H.R. 218 and are making our case to the House leadership. Currently, we have House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-TX), Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-OK) and Republican Policy Chair Christopher Cox (R-CA) as cosponsors. On the Democratic side, we have Democratic Caucus Chair Martin Frost (D-TX). Be advised that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed a "Legislative Alert" in our "Write to Congress" section. There you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Chairman Sensenbrenner which asks him to allow H.R. 218 to come to a vote. Make sure you get this information out to the local lodges and members in your State! cont... |
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Posted: 10/1/2002 2:07:59 PM EDT
[#13]
B. H.R. 1475/S. 952, the “Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act:”
We currently have two hundred and twenty-five (225) cosponsors on H.R. 1475 (Collective Bargaining). We currently have twenty-two (22) cosponsors on S. 952 (Collective Bargaining). The bill passed the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on 13 September 2001. An amendment to H.R. 3061, the appropriations measure for the Departments of Education, Labor and Health and Human Services, very similar to the bill was defeated on a cloture vote, 56-44. On 22 January, the bill was placed on the Senate Calendar--which means that the bill can be called to the floor at any time by the Majority Leader. Remember that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) reactivated its "Write to Congress" section. The section has pre-written letters for every one of the F.O.P.'s top legislative priorities. F.O.P. members can search for their Representative and Senators by zip code and click to send them a message asking for their support for any or all of our legislative priorities. Please continue to use and advertise this feature! As always, if you have any questions please contact the National Legislative Office at (202) 547 8189 or [email protected] . |
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Posted: 10/4/2002 12:01:09 PM EDT
[#14]
The Senate Committee on the Judiciary was originally scheduled to hold a
mark-up on S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act," on Thursday, 3 October. This mark-up was rescheduled for next Tuesday, 8 October. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) continues to strongly oppose the bill. The F.O.P. offered to work with the Senator Kennedy on the legislation, but the offer was rebuffed. To the best of our knowledge, the Senator will offer three amendments to the bill next week, all of which are strongly opposed by the F.O.P. IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO CONTACT SENATOR KENNEDY AND ASK HIM TO WITHDRAW HIS AMENDMENTS AND SUPPORT OUR LEGISLATION. It is CRITICAL that our members contact Senator Kennedy and register our view on his opposition to our TOP PRIORITY. The F.O.P. website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has a letter which you can send to Senator Kennedy. SENATOR KENNEDY'S OFFICE MUST ALSO BE FLOODED WITH PHONE CALLS AND FAXES. E-MAIL ALONE WON'T GET THE JOB DONE!!! PLEASE TAKE THE EXTRA TIME TO PHONE SENATOR KENNEDY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. OR HIS BOSTON OFFICE. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA) Staff contact in D.C.: Robin Toone, 202-224-7878; Fax (202) 228-0464 Staff contact in Boston office: Tom Cronyn, (617) 565-3170 [email protected] Senator Kennedy intends to offer a series of amendments to the bill in an effort to delay a vote and carve out the provisions of the bill which apply to retirees. The first amendment would allow political subdivisions of States (local governments) to prohibit off-duty active and retired law enforcement officers from carrying under the provisions of the bill; the second would eliminate the exemption for retired officers, and the last would prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms in churches, schools, sports venues, government offices, hospitals or any place where alcohol is served. The F.O.P. will continue to oppose ALL of the Kennedy amendments and will work to ensure that these amendments fail if they are offered at the next mark-up. We are asking ALL F.O.P. Members to contact their Senators--especially those on the Judiciary Committee (listed above) and ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 2480. |
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Posted: 10/9/2002 1:34:31 PM EDT
[#15]
II. UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:
(NOTE: A complete list of cosponsorsalong with bill text, summary and statusis available online at http://thomas.loc.gov ) A. S. 2480, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act”/H.R. 218, the “Community Protection Act:” We added two (2) cosponsors to S. 2480 this week: Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT) and Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH). This brings our total number of cosponsors to forty (40) Senators and a majority (11) of the members of the Judiciary Committee. Congratulations to the State Lodges in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Virginia, who have BOTH of their Senators as cosponsors! COMMITTEE FORCED TO ADJOURN BEFORE VOTE ON S. 2480! Yesterday, 8 October, the Senate Judiciary Committee was scheduled to mark-up S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act." Our bill was not considered. The Senate had invoked the "two hour rule," or Rule XXVI, 5(a). The rule prohibits any committee to meet or conduct business after the Senate has been in session for two hours. Senate business began at 9am, and the Judiciary Committee did not assemble a quorum until 10:30am, and, after an acrimonious debate on a judicial nominee not on the slate and several parliamentary battles between the majority and minority, the committee was forced to adjourn in adherence to the rule. Thus, our bill was not considered. There are no further mark-ups scheduled at this time and it does not appear likely that the Judiciary Committee will meet again in this Congress. The National Legislative Office will be seeking alternative means for moving the bill in the very short time left in the this Congress. Since the last Weekly Update, our offer to work with Senator Kennedy was rebuffed. He planned on introducing and debating two amendments to the bill: Amendment No. 701: This amendment would allow political subdivisions of States (local governments) to prohibit off-duty active and retired law enforcement officers from carrying under the provisions of the bill. Amendment No. 710: This amendment would prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms in churches, schools, sports venues, government offices, hospitals or any place where alcohol is served. The F.O.P. will continue to oppose BOTH of these amendments. It is CRITICAL that we get the word out to our members to contact Senator Kennedy and register our view on his opposition to our TOP PRIORITY. The F.O.P. website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has a letter which you can send to Senator Kennedy. SENATOR KENNEDY'S OFFICE MUST ALSO BE FLOODED WITH PHONE CALLS AND FAXES. E-MAIL ALONE WON'T GET THE JOB DONE!!! PLEASE TAKE THE EXTRA TIME TO PHONE SENATOR KENNEDY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. OR HIS BOSTON OFFICE. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA) Staff contact in D.C.: Robin Toone, 202-224-7878; Fax (202) 228-0464 Staff contact in Boston office: Tom Cronyn, (617) 565-3170 [email protected] WE STILL NEED STORIES, ANECDOTES AND NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT RETIRED OFFICERS WHO RESPONDED TO THE CALL OF DUTY--REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A FIREARM WAS INVOLVED. WE NEED THIS INFORMATION TO DEFEAT SENATOR KENNEDY'S EFFORTS TO REMOVE RETIREES FROM THE BILL. |
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Posted: 10/22/2002 5:27:41 PM EDT
[#16]
Oct 22, 2002 Update on Top Legislative Priorities:
(NOTE: A complete list of cosponsors--along with bill text, summary and status--is available online at http://thomas.loc.gov ) A. S. 2480, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act”/ H.R. 218, the “Community Protection Act:” We added one new cosponsor, Senator Debbie A. Stabenow (D-MI) to S. 2480, bringing our new total to forty-one (41) cosponsors. A majority (11) of the members of the Judiciary Committee are cosponsors of the bill. WE STILL NEED STORIES, ANECDOTES AND NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT RETIRED OFFICERS WHO RESPONDED TO THE CALL OF DUTY--REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A FIREARM WAS INVOLVED. WE NEED THIS INFORMATION TO DEFEAT SENATOR KENNEDY'S EFFORTS AND FUTURE EFFORTS TO REMOVE RETIREES FROM THE BILL. Congratulations to the State Lodges in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Virginia, who have BOTH of their Senators as cosponsors! |
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Posted: 11/1/2002 2:23:11 PM EDT
[#17]
Any updates on this?
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Posted: 11/1/2002 4:56:44 PM EDT
[#18]
There are no further mark-ups scheduled at this time and it does not appear likely that the Judiciary Committee will meet again in this Congress.
So they stalled us until the next Congress. Go out and vote pro gun on the 5th. Will keep everyone posted on this important issue as and when news becomes available. Robert |
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Posted: 11/14/2002 3:25:47 PM EDT
[#19]
S. 2480 Adopted by Senate Judiciary Committee; F.O.P. Support for Concealed Carry Instrumental to Today's Success Steve Young, National President of the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, hailed today's passage of S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act," by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill, sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), the Committee's Chairman, exempts qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from State and local prohibitions with respect to the carrying of concealed firearms. "On behalf of the membership of the Fraternal Order of Police, I want to sincerely thank Chairman Leahy and his staff for all their work on this legislation," said Young. "His long-standing and continued support of the Fraternal Order of Police on this issue demonstrates his true commitment to the safety of the men and women of law enforcement. With the invaluable leadership of Senator Leahy, we have been able to make unprecedented progress in the Senate, and the legislation is now at a point where it is not unrealistic to expect action on it early in the 108th Congress. We cannot thank him enough." Young went on to offer praise to the Committee's Ranking Member, Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT). "Senator Hatch has been a leader in this effort since he authored similar legislation in 1996, and much of the credit for today's victory goes to him." With the Senate poised to adjourn following the adoption of legislation creating a Department of Homeland Security, it is unlikely that the Senate will act on the bill prior the end of the Congress. The legislation currently has forty-one (41) cosponsors, eleven (11) of whom are members of the Judiciary Committee. The House companion measure, H.R. 218, the "Community Protection Act," has two hundred and seventy (270) cosponsors. "It is unfortunate that the Congress will adjourn without acting on this critical piece of legislation," Young said. "But we have to remember that Chairman Sensenbrenner in the House has held it hostage for two years. We just ran out of time. That the bill was reported favorably out of the Senate Judiciary Committee is a significant victory and we intend to get our bill considered quickly when the 108th Congress is sworn in." The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 300,000 members. |
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Posted: 11/22/2002 11:39:26 AM EDT
[#20]
Most Recent FOP Press Release:
FOP NEWS: S. 2480 Adopted by Senate Judiciary Committee; F.O.P. Support for Concealed Carry Instrumental to Today's Success Steve Young, National President of the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, hailed today's passage of S. 2480, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act," by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill, sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), the Committee's Chairman, exempts qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from State and local prohibitions with respect to the carrying of concealed firearms. "On behalf of the membership of the Fraternal Order of Police, I want to sincerely thank Chairman Leahy and his staff for all their work on this legislation," said Young. "His long-standing and continued support of the Fraternal Order of Police on this issue demonstrates his true commitment to the safety of the men and women of law enforcement. With the invaluable leadership of Senator Leahy, we have been able to make unprecedented progress in the Senate, and the legislation is now at a point where it is not unrealistic to expect action on it early in the 108th Congress. We cannot thank him enough." Young went on to offer praise to the Committee's Ranking Member, Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT). "Senator Hatch has been a leader in this effort since he authored similar legislation in 1996, and much of the credit for today's victory goes to him." With the Senate poised to adjourn following the adoption of legislation creating a Department of Homeland Security, it is unlikely that the Senate will act on the bill prior the end of the Congress. The legislation currently has forty-one (41) cosponsors, eleven (11) of whom are members of the Judiciary Committee. The House companion measure, H.R. 218, the "Community Protection Act," has two hundred and seventy (270) cosponsors. "It is unfortunate that the Congress will adjourn without acting on this critical piece of legislation," Young said. "But we have to remember that Chairman Sensenbrenner in the House has held it hostage for two years. We just ran out of time. That the bill was reported favorably out of the Senate Judiciary Committee is a significant victory and we intend to get our bill considered quickly when the 108th Congress is sworn in." |
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Posted: 12/4/2002 12:15:00 PM EDT
[#21]
Just a ministerial update:
Veteran Philly Officer Named Chairman of F.O.P.'s National Legislative Committee Steve Young, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, named Captain Richard B. Costello of the Philadelphia Police Department as the organization's new Chairman of the National Legislative Committee. "I have every confidence in Rich," Young said. "He is a terrific cop, a dedicated member and will prove to be an outstanding Chairman." Rich Costello began his law enforcement career in June 1973. After only six months on the job, he was the victim of an ambush while on patrol--shot twice in the face and left for dead. He managed to summon assistance and, thanks to an immediate response by his fellow officers, survived the attack. Joining the F.O.P. in 1978, Costello led the fight to improve the health care and pension benefits of Philadelphia police officers. He was first elected President of Philadelphia Lodge #5 in 1988, winning a major contract victory for the rank-and-file in 1990. He stepped down in 1990, but was re-elected in 1994 by his brother and sister officers who looked to him to lead a troubled lodge back to prosperity. He was subsequently elected four more times and chose to step down in October 2002. "Rich is the kind of F.O.P. leader who commands respect," Young explained. "He also has the experience and know-how to be effective. I am grateful to have him at the helm of our National Legislative Committee." Rich Costello has previously served the Grand Lodge as Chairman of the Urban Policing Committee. He has been honored as "Person of the Year" by the Shomrim Society, Emerald Society, the American Legion Post 937, Custodes Pacis, the Retired Police and the Park Guard & Fire Organization. He was also honored as "Law Enforcement Officer of the Year" by the German-American Police Association and cited for his service on the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Task Force on Violence. The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 300,000 members. Chris L. Granberg Senior Legislative Liaison Fraternal Order of Police National Legislative Office 309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (O) (202) 547 - 8189 (F) (202) 547 - 8190 grandlodgefop.org |
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Posted: 12/4/2002 12:41:53 PM EDT
[#22]
This will not hurt our cause.....
National Fraternal Order of Police Recognized as Charter Member of National Citizen Corps Council National President Steve Young announced today that the Fraternal Order of Police had been asked to serve as a charter member of the newly-formed National Citizen Corps Council. National Secretary Jerry Atnip attended the Council's first meeting, held at the White House. "The Fraternal Order of Police is proud to be a member of this new National Citizen Corps Council to promote citizen preparedness and citizen engagement in homeland security efforts," said Young. "Through our work to support Citizen Corps, we can make America's communities better prepared to respond to disasters of all kinds." The National Citizen Corps Council brings together national leaders from first responder groups, emergency management agencies, volunteer service organizations, State and local governments, and the private sector to engage citizens in homeland security and promote community and family safety practices across the country. The leadership of these organizations and their colleagues at the State and local levels will collaborate to create local Citizen Corps Councils and to advance the mission of Citizen Corps. "In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush issued a call to all Americans to engage in volunteer service," Young said. "The Citizen Corps initiative, which is a component of the USA Freedom Corps, aims to provide individuals with opportunities to volunteer in a range of homeland security measures within their communities. The President has asked all Americans to give of themselves, and he asked the F.O.P. to be a leader in this effort by serving as a charter member of the National Council." Citizen Corps' mission is to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds by engaging individuals in emergency preparedness and response through education, training, and volunteer service. The Citizen Corps initiative includes programs administered by the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, as well as FEMA, which is also responsible for coordinating the Citizen Corps initiative. The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 300,000 members. |
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Posted: 12/5/2002 9:30:15 AM EDT
[#23]
I think special rights for retired cops is BS.
Former cops are no better than anyone else, there are a representative number of officers who are criminals. Locally we've had deputies, police officers and a state trooper get fired for among other things: murder, sexual abuse, growing marijuana, tipping off friends about raids and soliciting sexual favors during traffic stops. Its not systemic corruption, but it does mirror societies' ills, why people promote these retired law enforcement exemptions is beyond me. |
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Posted: 12/5/2002 10:27:29 AM EDT
[#24]
Ok, so your point? Its ok for active cops but not retirees. Your exception appears directed towards retirees (you aver that twice) but your logic appears directed towards the LEO community as a whole.
I guess you're ok with the national carry initiatives and reciprocity for ccw holders though, huh? |
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Posted: 12/5/2002 12:33:28 PM EDT
[#25]
Reciprocity for everybody, just like driver's licenses, sure.
Special rights for off duty activities just because you are or were a cop, I can't support that. It dilutes the issue for the rest of us, in my opinion. Secondly, we have enough federal intervention in matters which are primarily of local concern. At one time, the concept of federalism kept Washington out of our lives, now its the answer to all our woes. I am sick and tired of getting drunk driving, domestic abuse, educational standards and a lot of other things that ought to be decided at the local level crammed down our throats by the federal government. |
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Posted: 12/5/2002 12:45:32 PM EDT
[#26]
On duty cops don't need this legislation, most all the states expressly sanction out of state officers in hot pursuit carrying weapons and in many other circumstances as well.
I love cops, I have many that I count as friends. I'm just making a point. No offense was intended. |
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Posted: 12/5/2002 3:57:19 PM EDT
[#27]
No offence taken.
This issue is one which keeps returning and is a sensitive subject to us. Yes, while on duty and/or in hot pursuit we can carry out of state. But these circumstances are both very limited in scope. In fact there are almost no states which give carry rights to off-duty out of state leos. I am confident that you appreciate that despite public perception and media portrayal, the overwhelming majority of LEOs support pro-gun initiatives. Remember we are not ruffled by the carrying of weapons as a rule (as are most antis), especially when it is by individuals licenced and regulated as are we. Nonetheless, your position and those of many non LEOs oppose a nat leo carry bill. Some I suspect because of an “if not me than nobody else” attitude. I believe this is short sighted and that it is specifically this type of attitude, and internecine infighting which diminishes our collective strength and defeats our joint interests as gun enthusiasts - cop or non-cop. Together, we form a union which is greater than the sum of our parts. Demonizing this bill only serves to further the fracture between RKBA proponents and vast majority pro-RKBA leos; Something that no true RKBA proponent should advocate, and something which falls into the hands of the anti-gunners: the potential for the creation of two separate and politically weaker groups weighted down by infighting. While we are a dedicated and polarized minority, gun enthusiasts are just that -- a minority. The only reason that we have been able to expand gun rights or reduce encroachment is that as a group, we vote, act and work together, when anti-gunners don't. I think that you realize the reality that most Americans view us both with fear and suspician. This bill, by the way, is seen by many leos as an attempt to provide us with a similar measure of reciprocity that is being increasingly accorded private ccw holders. In fact, in many agencies (at least in the North East) leo’s are prohibited from obtaining carry permits (the last I checked even the vanguard police department -- NYC PD -- will not issue carry permits to its officers or other leos who reside in the city). As a result, leos have not enjoyed the benefit of expanding ccw laws. Furthermore, acts like this (and arming pilots) increase the potential for a national ccw. History shows that gun rights (or really any political paradigm) either expand or recede incrementally. In the current climate they have been growing gradually. This bill is simply a step in the right direction....a federal expansion and the potential creation of federal carry privileges/rights which pre-empt state law. If you recognize that the majority of LEOs are allies and have supported state CCW bills and will support national carry privileges by voting in your favor, then it is contradictory to then concomitantly act against our interests. I hope that I have been of asistance in clarifying the position held by many leos here. Robert |
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Posted: 12/6/2002 9:23:41 AM EDT
[#28]
You raised some issues that I was not aware of, I should have assumed that a lot those big city PDs screw their own people over. Thanks for the information, I'll support this bill, but I wish it wasn't needed.
Almost all working officers that I know support the RKBA, many (not most) chiefs waffle around on the issue citing the old scape goat "liability concerns" and other BS. I call them on it they tend to privately support the RKBA but admit that they don't want to step on the toes of their political bosses. I deal with a luke warm sheriff on CCW permits. In a neighboring county they got rid of a sheriff who refused to issue permits, the campaign was quite vocal and backed by the local gun club. I believe that must issue legislation is really needed at the state level. |
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Posted: 1/2/2003 12:24:57 PM EDT
[#29]
Day on the Hill 2003: 10-12 February!!!
1-2-03 Update The F.O.P. Day on The Hill 2003 will begin on Monday, 10 February 2003. The Legislative Committee will host a short briefing on our legislative agenda at the District of Columbia Lodge #1 at 711 4th Street, NW. The briefing will begin at 2 pm. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11-12 February, will be devoted to your meetings with Members from your home States and districts. These appointments should be made in advance!!! Event participants should make every effort to have their Representative or Senator attend the meeting along with the appropriate staff person. Accomodations for "Day on the Hill" Participants The National Legislative Office will be arranging a block of hotel rooms at a discounted rate. We will have this information out to you in the next few days. If you have any questions about the event, please contact the National Legislative Office at (202) 547-8189. |
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Posted: 1/10/2003 1:15:00 PM EDT
[#30]
January 10 Update:
DAY ON THE HILL 2003! The F.O.P. Day on the Hill 2003 will begin on Monday, February 10, 2003. The Legislative Committee will host a short briefing on our legislative agenda at the District of Columbia Lodge #1 at 711 4th Street, NW. The briefing will begin at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, February 11-12, will be devoted to your meetings with Members from your home States and districts. These appointments should be made in advance!!! Event participants should make every effort to have their Representative or Senator attend the meeting along with the appropriate staff person. Accommodations for "Day on the Hill" Participants The National Legislative Office has arranged a block of hotel rooms at a rate of $125 per night for a double at Jurys Washington Hotel, 1500 New Hampshire Ave., NW [202.483.6000]. You can also book your reservations through their web site: http://www.jurys.com/frusa_index.htm ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BEFORE JANUARY 30 IN ORDER FOR YOU TO GET THIS SPECIAL RATE!!! MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!!! If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the National Legislative office or your State Lodge. Chris L. Granberg Senior Legislative Liaison Fraternal Order of Police National Legislative Office 309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (O) (202) 547 - 8189 (F) (202) 547 - 8190 grandlodgefop.org |
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Posted: 1/15/2003 6:28:01 PM EDT
[#31]
January 15 Update:
UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham re-introduced the "Community Protection Act" on 7 January, the first day of the new Congress. At his specific request, the bill was again assigned to be H.R. 218. The bill was introduced with sixty-two (62) original cosponsors, with thirteen additional cosponsors signing on this week, for a current total of seventy-five (75) cosponsors. The full list can be viewed online at http://thomas.loc.gov . The Senate companion bill to H.R. 218 has not yet been introduced. None of the other F.O.P. top priorities have yet been introduced, but the National Legislative Office has spoken with the sponsors of our bills and we are working with them on an introduction strategy. |
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Posted: 1/21/2003 3:10:39 PM EDT
[#32]
WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
For the Week of 17 January 2003 I. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS: The House was not in session this week, and is not scheduled to reconvene until 27 January. The Senate did meet this week and adopted organizing resolutions to making committee appointments for the both the majority (S. Res. 18) and minority (S. Res. 20) parties. The Senate debated H.J. Res. 2, a joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2003, and which contains the remaining FY 03 spending bills not enacted during the 107th Congress. The Senateintended to complete its work on the bill this week, however, they were unable to do so. At this time, there is no information available regarding when final action will occur on this legislation. II. SENATE DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: As mentioned above, the Senate this week approved S. Res. 20, making minority party assignments to the various Senate committees. (For the list of Republican committee assignments, see the Weekly Legislative Update for the week of 10 January). A list of those committees which have jurisdiction over the F.O.P. top legislative priorities or which the F.O.P. deals with on a regular basis, is as follows: Judiciary: 1 Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Ranking Member 2 Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) 3 Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) 4 Herb Kohl (D-WI) 5 Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) 6 Russ Feingold (D-WI) 7 Charles Schumer (D-NY) 8 Richard Durbin (D-IL) 9 John Edwards (D-NC) Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP): 1 Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), Ranking Member 2 Christopher J. Dodd(D-CT) 3 Tom Harkin(D-IA) 4 Barbara A. Mikulski(D-MD) 5 Jim Jeffords (D-VT) 6 Jeff Bingaman(D-NM) 7 Patty Murray(D-WA) 8 Jack Reed (D-RI) 9 John Edwards (D-NC) 10 Hillary Clinton (D-NY) Governmental Affairs: 1 Joseph I. Lieberman (D-CT), Ranking Member 2 Carl Levin (D-MI) 3 Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) 4 Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) 5 Thomas Carper (D-DE) 6 Mark Dayton (D-MN) 7 Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) 8 Mark Pryor (D-AR) Appropriations: 1 Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) 2 Daniel K. Inouye(D-HI) 3 Ernest F. Hollings(D-SC) 4 Patrick J. Leahy(D-VT) 5 Tom Harkin(D-IA) 6 Barbara A. Mikulski(D-MD) 7 Harry Reid(D-NV) 8 Herb Kohl(D-WI) 9 Patty Murray(D-WA) 10 Byron Dorgan(D-ND) 11 Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) 12 Richard Durbin (D-IL) 13 Tim Johnson (D-SD) 14 Mary Landrieu (D-LA) III. UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham reintroduced the "Community Protection Act" on 7 January, the first day of the new Congress. At his specific request, the bill was again assigned to be H.R. 218. The bill was introduced with sixty-two (62) original cosponsors, with thirteen additional cosponsors added the week of its introduction, for a current total of seventy-five (75) cosponsors. With the House in recess, no additional cosponsors can be added. The full list of cosponsors is available online, at http://thomas.loc.gov . The Senate companion bill to H.R. 218 has not yet been introduced. None of the other F.O.P. top priorities have yet been introduced, but the National Legislative Office has spoken with the sponsors of our bills and is working with them on an introduction strategy. |
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Posted: 1/28/2003 2:15:37 PM EDT
[#33]
WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
For the Week of 24 January 2003 I. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS: The House was not in session this week and will reconvene next week, on 27 January. The Senate spent the week debating H.J. Res. 2 and passed the legislation late Thursday night. The legislation, which has been amended into an omnibus appropriations bill comprising the 11 remaining FY 2003 regular appropriations bills, will now go to conference with the House. The Senate also passed S. 121, the "National AMBER Alert Network Act," which requires the Attorney General to assign a Coordinator to the Department of Justice to act as the national coordinator of the AMBER Alert communications network regarding abducted children. During the debate on H.J. Res 2, the Senate adopted Senate Amendment No. 87, which will allow the State of Kentucky to operate a separate retirement system for certain public employees--necessary after the merger between the governments of Louisville and Jefferson County in that State. The National F.O.P. has been working on this issue in conjunction with the State Lodge. II. UPDATE ON F.O.P. TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA) re-introduced our concealed-carry legislation on 7 January, the first day of the new Congress. At his specific request, the bill was again assigned to be H.R. 218. Please note that for the 108th Congress, the title of the measure has been changed from the “Community Protection Act” to the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act.” This is the same title as our Senate companion measure which passed the Senate Judiciary Committee last year. The bill was introduced with sixty-two (62) original cosponsors, with thirteen additional cosponsors added the week of its introduction, for a current total of seventy-five (75) cosponsors. With the House in recess, no additional cosponsors can be added. For the complete list of cosponsors, logon to http://thomas.loc.gov . The Senate companion bill to H.R. 218 has not yet been introduced, but we expect that it will be early next week. The legislation will be sponsored by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO), Senate Judiciary Chairman Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) and Ranking Member Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT). At this writing, the F.O.P. has helped secure twenty-one original cosponsors. None of the other F.O.P. top priorities have yet been introduced, but the National Legislative Office has spoken with the sponsors of our bills and are working with them on an introduction strategy. IT’S BAAACK! “Write to Congress” Returns for the 108th Congress: With the reintroduction of H.R. 218, we are reactivating the “Write to Congress” function of the Grand Lodge Website (www.grandlodgefop.org) for the 108th Congress. Two new letters are available immediately: one to House Judiciary Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) asking him to allow H.R. 218 to come up for a vote in his Committee, and one which can be sent to your Member of Congress asking him to cosponsor this important legislation. Additional letters will be added as our top legislative priorities are introduced in the House and Senate, so check the website often! DON’T DELAY! Write to Congress Today!! As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the National Legislative Office at (202) 547 8189 or [email protected] . |
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Posted: 1/30/2003 6:14:20 PM EDT
[#34]
1-30-03 update......
CAMPBELL, LEAHY AND HATCH INTRODUCE F.O.P.'s TOP PRIORITY Senate Leaders Introduce S. 253, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act" Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, proudly announced the introduction of S. 253, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act." The bill, which is the Senate companion to H.R. 218, was jointly introduced today by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO), a former law enforcement officer, and Senators Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) and Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. Its passage is the top legislative priority of the Fraternal Order of Police. "The F.O.P. is extremely grateful for Senator Campbells leadership on this issue," Canterbury said. "And to have such strong support from Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Leahy, who sponsored the bill in the previous Congress, is a clear indication that we can get it through the Senate this year. These Senate leaders know how important this bill is to rank-and-file officers." The legislation would exempt qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from State and local prohibitions on the carrying of firearms, enabling off-duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry their firearms even when traveling outside their home jurisdiction. "Right out of the gate, this bill has strong, bipartisan support," Canterbury said, noting that the bill was introduced with thirty-one (31) original cosponsors, seventeen (17) Republicans and fourteen (14) Democrats, including twelve (12) of the nineteen (19) Senators on the Judiciary Committee. "We've earned that support because this isn't a firearms issue, it's an officer safety issue. And after September 11, it became a critical public safety issue," Canterbury added. In November of last year, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill by a vote of 18-1. Its chief sponsor in the previous Congress was Senator Leahy, who spoke on the Senate floor in support of the bill today, saying, "Last year, when I chaired the Judiciary Committee, I was honored to work closely with F.O.P.'s National President, Lt. Steve Young, whose death earlier this month was a sad loss for all of us. Steve was dedicated to this legislation because he understood the importance of having law enforcement officers across the nation armed and prepared whenever and wherever threats to our peace or to our public safety arise. I will continue my close work with the F.O.P. and its new National President, Chuck Canterbury, to pass this legislation into law." "Criminals and terrorists do not give up their weapons when they cross jurisdictional boundaries, why should police officers?" Canterbury asked. "Officers who are traveling from one jurisdiction to another do not leave their instincts or training behind, but without their weapon, their knowledge and training is rendered virtually useless in a time of emergency. This bill provides the means for law enforcement officers to respond to crisis situations--enabling them to put that training to use and answer the call of duty when the need arises. Ensuring that our first line of defense is prepared to respond at any time is too important to delay any longer." The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 300,000 members. |
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Posted: 2/4/2003 2:59:05 PM EDT
[#35]
2-4-03 Update
UPDATE ON F.O.P. TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: Senate Companion Bill to H.R. 218 Introduced! On 30 January, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO), along with Senate Judiciary Chairman Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT), Ranking Member Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT) and twenty-nine (29) other original cosponsors introduced S. 253, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act.” (See press release below at No. IV.) The other original cosponsors of the measure are as follows: Sen Sessions, Jeff [R-AL] * Sen Lincoln, Blanche [D-AR] Sen Kyl, Jon [R-AZ] * Sen Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] * Sen Grassley, Charles[R-IA] * Sen Craig, Larry [R-ID] * Sen Bunning, Jim [R-KY] Sen McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] Sen Landrieu, Mary [D-LA] Sen Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI] Sen Dayton, Mark [D-MN] Sen Baucus, Max [D-MT] Sen Burns, Conrad [R-MT] Sen Edwards, John [D-NC] * Sen Conrad, Kent [D-ND] Sen Dorgan, Byron [D-ND] Sen Nelson, Benjamin [D-NE] Sen Domenici, Pete [R-NM] Sen Reid, Harry [D-NV] Sen Schumer, Charles [D-NY] * Sen DeWine, Michael [R-OH] * Sen Inhofe, James [R-OK] Sen Nickles, Don [R-OK] Sen Santorum, Rick [R-PA] Sen Graham, Lindsey [R-SC] * Sen Cornyn, John [R-TX] * Sen Allen, George [R-VA] Sen Warner, John [R-VA] Sen Cantwell, Maria [D-WA] (NOTE: “*” denotes a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over the legislation.) Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham re-introduced the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act," on 7 January, the first day of the new Congress. At his specific request, the bill was again assigned to be H.R. 218. We added twenty (20) new cosponsors to H.R. 218, bringing our current total to ninety-five (95). This total includes five (5) of the twelve (12) Members of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. The Chairman of the Subcommittee, Howard Coble (R-NC) is one of the cosponsors, as is Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO). The full list is available online at http://thomas.loc.gov . None of the other F.O.P. top priorities have yet been introduced, but the National Legislative Office has spoken with the sponsors of our bills and is working with them on an introduction strategy. |
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Posted: 2/12/2003 2:23:00 PM EDT
[#36]
WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
For the Week of 7 February 2003 In This Week’s Edition: We added eight (8) new cosponsors to H.R. 218, bringing our current total to one hundred and three (103). This total includes five (5) of the twelve (12) Members of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. The Chairman of the Subcommittee, Howard Coble (R-NC) is one of the cosponsors, as is Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO). The full list is available online at http://thomas.loc.gov. DAY ON THE HILL 2003 OFF TO GREAT START The F.O.P. “Day on the Hill 2003” got off to a great start on Monday, as the National Legislative Committee hosted over 140 of your fellow members at a briefing at the offices of District of Columbia Lodge #1. National President Chuck Canterbury opened the briefing with remarks focusing on the importance of grassroots lobbying and the F.O.P.’s new political action committee, in moving our agenda forward. National Legislative Committee Chairman Rich Costello and the staff of the National Legislative Office provided the members with the latest information on our top legislative priorities and the Grassroots Action Network. These members, from State and local lodges throughout the country will spend the next two days meeting with their Representatives and Senators seeking support for such important issues as concealed carry and nationwide collective bargaining. If you would like to find out more about the F.O.P.’s Grassroots Action Network, log on to the “members only” section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org). V. The FOP Needs YOU! To Join the Grassroots Action Network Today! How many times have your read the newspaper or watched the evening news and been concerned by the events on Capitol Hill or in your own State legislature? Have you ever wished that you had a say with America’s policymakers? Or have you ever wondered how you can have a positive impact on the lives and careers of your fellow law enforcement officers? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the FOP’s Grassroots Action Network (GAN) is for you! Put into operation last year, the GAN is designed to use the power of the Grand Lodge’s nearly 300,000 members to move our top legislative priorities through the Congress. Building on the success of the annual “Day on the Hill” program, the Grassroots Action Network affords FOP members the opportunity greater than that of other association members to have your voice heard and respected by Washington, DC decision-makers. During the most heated battles on Capitol Hill regarding criminal justice or law enforcement issues, it is the voice of the rank and file officer that often means the difference between victory and defeat on the FOP’s top legislative priorities. That is why the FOP is counting on YOU to help us make a difference in the lives of our members, and to strengthen our profession. By actively participating in the Grassroots Action Network, you can help the FOP continue to be the leading voice for local, State and Federal law enforcement officers in our nation’s capitol. To find out how you can join today, simply email the National Legislative Office at [email protected] or log on to the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) . As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the National Legislative Office at [email protected] or (202) 547 - 8189. |
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Posted: 2/20/2003 3:58:44 PM EDT
[#37]
2-20-03 Update:
WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE For the Week of 14 February 2003 In This Week’s Edition: 1. This Week in Congress .R. 218/S. 253: The Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act We added thirty-five (35) new cosponsors to H.R. 218, bringing our current total to one hundred and thirty-eight (138). This total includes six (6) of the twelve (12) Members of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. The Chairman of the Subcommittee, Howard Coble (R-NC) is one of the cosponsors, as is Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO). We added three (3) new cosponsors--Senators Trent Lott (R-MS), John Breaux (D-LA), and Susan Collins (R-ME)-- to S. 253,bringing our current total to thirty-seven (37). This total includes thirteen (13) members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. On 13 February, S. 253 was again the first legislative item on the Judiciary Committee's agenda, but dispute and debate over judicial nominees occupied the entirety of the Committee's executive session. Prior to the mark-up, the F.O.P. learned that Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) has prepared, but has not yet officially offered, seven (7) amendments to the legislation, all of which are intended to delay and frustrate its passage out of committee. The amendments would allow local governments to prohibit off-duty active and retired law enforcement officers from carrying under the provisions of the bill, eliminate the exemption for retired law enforcement officers, and allow law enforcement agencies' rules, policies and practices to prohibit active law enforcement officers from carrying weapons even while off-duty. The F.O.P. opposes all seven (7) amendments, and we are working with Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Leahy to ensure the defeat of these amendments should they be introduced in Committee. As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the National Legislative Office at (202) 547 8189 or [email protected] . |
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Posted: 2/28/2003 3:50:59 PM EDT
[#38]
2-28 Update
LEGISLATIVE ALERT: S. 253, the "Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act"!!! At this writing, we expect that S. 253 will be considered at the next Committee meeting on 6 March and we expect that Senator Kennedy will offer any one or all of the following amendments, all of which are intended to delay and frustrate its passage out of committee: Amendment #127 would allow political subdivisions of States (local governments) to prohibit off-duty active and retired law enforcement officers from carrying under the provisions of the bill. Amendment #128 would eliminate the exemption for retired law enforcement officers. Amendment #129 would allow local governments to prohibit concealed weapons in churches, schools, bars, sport stadiums, government offices, hospitals, health facilities and any place where alcohol is served. Amendments #130 would allow law enforcement agencies' rules, policies and practices to prohibit active law enforcement officers from carrying weapons even while off-duty. Amendment #131 would allow law enforcement agencies' rules, policies and practices to prohibit active law enforcement officers from carrying weapons even while off-duty and ensure that retired officers did not have a "greater right" to carry concealed firearms than active officers. Amendment #132 would allow States opt out of complying with the Federal law. Amendments #133 would expand the Federal prohibition of certain ammunition to include performance-based standards for handguns and centerfire rifles. The F.O.P. opposes all seven (7) amendments. It is CRITICAL that we get the word out to our members to contact Senator Kennedy and register our view on his opposition to our TOP PRIORITY. The F.O.P. website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has a letter which you can send to Senator Kennedy. SENATOR KENNEDY'S OFFICE MUST ALSO BE FLOODED WITH PHONE CALLS AND FAXES. E-MAIL ALONE WON'T GET THE JOB DONE!!! PLEASE TAKE THE EXTRA TIME TO PHONE SENATOR KENNEDY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. OR HIS BOSTON OFFICE. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA) [Senator Kennedy intends to vote against the bill as introduced.] Staff contact: Robin Toone, 202-224-7878; Fax (202) 224-2417 Boston staff contact: Tom Cronyn, (617) 565-3170 [email protected] The F.O.P. will continue to oppose ALL of the Kennedy amendments and will work to ensure that these amendments fail if offered at the mark-up next week. We are asking ALL F.O.P. Members to contact their Senators--especially those on the Judiciary Committee (listed below) and ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 253. The following Members are cosponsors of the bill--ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and THANK them for supporting our bill. Senator Orrin G Hatch, Chairman (UT) Staff contact: Reed O'Connor, 202-224-5225 email: [email protected] Senator Patrick J. Leahy, Ranking Member (VT) Staff Contact: Ed Pagano, 202-224-7703 email: [email protected] Senator Charles E. Grassley (IA) Staff contact: Chad Groover, 202-224-5564 email: [email protected] Senator Jon L. Kyl (AZ) Staff contact: Joe Matal, 202-224-4521 email: n/a, website: www.kyl.senate.gov Senator Mike DeWine (OH) Staff contact: Evelyn Fortier, 202-224-9494 email: [email protected] Senator Jeff Sessions (AL) Staff contact: Andrea Sander, 202-224-7572 email: [email protected] Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) Staff contact: James Galyean, 202-224-5972 email: n/a website: : www.lgraham.senate.gov Senator Larry Craig Staff contact: Brooke Roberts, 202-224-2752 email: n/a website: www.craig.senate.gov/portal9.htm Senator Saxby Chambliss Staff contact: Camila MacLean, 202-224-3521 email: [email protected] Senator John Cornyn Staff contact: Tiffany Turner, 202-224-2934 email: n/a website: www.cornyn.senate.gov Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA) Staff contact: David Hantman, 202-224-4933 email: n/a, website: www.feinstein.senate.gov Senator Charles E. Schumer (NY) Staff contact: Jim Flood, 202-224-6542 email: [email protected] Senator John R. Edwards (NC) Staff contact: Robert Gordon, 202-2243154 email: n/a, website: edwards.senate.gov The following Members of the Judiciary Committee are NOT cosponsors. Contact them and ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 253: Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr (DE) Staff contact: Eric Rosen, 202-224-0558 email: [email protected] Senator Herbert H. Kohl (WI) Staff contact: Jeff Miller, 202-224-3406 email: [email protected] Senator Russ Feingold (WI) Staff contact: Alex Buzanski, 202-224-5573 email: n/a, website: feingold.senate.gov Senator Richard J. Durbin (IL) Staff contact: Chris Kang, 202-224-2152 email: [email protected] Senator Arlen Specter (PA) Staff contact: Frank Brown, 202-224-4254 email: [email protected] Be advised that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed a "Legislative Alert" in our "Write to Congress" section. There you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Senator Kennedy which asks him to withdraw his amendments and support S. 253. Make sure you get this information out to the State & local lodges and members in your region! If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the National Legislative Office at (202) 547 - 8189 or [email protected]. Chris L. Granberg Senior Legislative Liaison Fraternal Order of Police National Legislative Office 309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (O) (202) 547 - 8189 (F) (202) 547 - 8190 grandlodgefop.org |
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Posted: 3/4/2003 5:11:27 PM EDT
[#39]
3-4-03 Update:
UPDATE ON F.O.P. TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: A. H.R. 218/S. 253, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act" We added eighteen (18) new cosponsorsRepresentatives Menendez (D-NJ), Simpson (R-ID), Bishop (D-NY), Taylor (D-MS), Udall (D-NM), Porter (R-NV), Chabot (R-OH), Pence (R-IN), Weiner (D-NY), Larsen (D-WA), LaTourette (R-OH), Matheson (D-UT), Ford (D-TN), Toomey (R-PA), McCarthy (D-MO), Gallegly (R-CA), Langevin (D-RI), Fletcher (R-KY), and Bono (R-CA) to H.R. 218, bringing our current total to one hundred and fifty-six (156). This total includes nine (9) of the thirteen (13) Members of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, which has jurisdiction over the bill. The Chairman of the Subcommittee, Howard Coble (R-NC) is one of the cosponsors, as is Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO). The full list of cosponsors is available online at http://thomas.loc.gov . The National Legislative Office and National Legislative Committee are focusing on getting Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) to sign on as a cosponsor. He is currently the only Republican on the Subcommittee who has not yet signed on as a cosponsor. In addition to Rep. Feeney, the Grand Lodge is actively engaged in trying to sign on the one hundred (100) Members who were cosponsors in the previous Congress. A list of these Representatives can be found at the end of this update, and it has been provided to the National Legislative Committee so that they can assist in this effort at the grassroots level. In the Senate, we added five (5) new cosponsors--Senators Boxer (D-CA), Cochran (R-MS), Crapo (R-ID), Murkowski (R-AK), and Sununu (R-NH)--to S. 253,bringing our current total to fourty-two (42), only two Senators short from our final cosponsor tally from the 107th Congress. Our total includes thirteen (13) members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The full list is available on http://thomas.loc.gov. COMMITTEE ACTION ON S. 253 On 27 February, S. 253 was again the first legislative item on the Judiciary Committee's agenda, but dispute and debate over committee rules and organization, judicial nominees, and the process of approving those nominees, occupied much of the Committee's executive session. When the Committee concluded its consideration of the nominees, it attempted to take up S. 253. However, Senator Kennedy had previously signaled his intention to offer some or all of the seven amendments he had prepared and Chairman Hatch was again forced to postpone the consideration of the bill. At this writing, we do expect that S. 253 will be considered at the next Committee meeting on 6 March and we expect that Senator Kennedy will offer any one or all of the following amendments, all of which are intended to delay and frustrate its passage out of committee: Amendment #127 would allow political subdivisions of States (local governments) to prohibit off-duty active and retired law enforcement officers from carrying under the provisions of the bill. Amendment #128 would eliminate the exemption for retired law enforcement officers. Amendment #129 would allow local governments to prohibit concealed weapons in churches, schools, bars, sport stadiums, government offices, hospitals, health facilities and any place where alcohol is served. Amendments #130 would allow law enforcement agencies' rules, policies and practices to prohibit active law enforcement officers from carrying weapons even while off-duty. Amendment #131 would allow law enforcement agencies' rules, policies and practices to prohibit active law enforcement officers from carrying weapons even while off-duty and ensure that retired officers did not have a "greater right" to carry concealed firearms than active officers. Amendment #132 would allow States opt out of complying with the Federal law. Amendments #133 would expand the Federal prohibition of certain ammunition to include performance-based standards for handguns and centerfire rifles. The F.O.P. opposes all seven (7) amendments. It is CRITICAL that we get the word out to our members to contact Senator Kennedy and register our view on his opposition to our TOP PRIORITY. The F.O.P. website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has a letter which you can send to Senator Kennedy. SENATOR KENNEDY'S OFFICE MUST ALSO BE FLOODED WITH PHONE CALLS AND FAXES. E-MAIL ALONE WON'T GET THE JOB DONE!!! PLEASE TAKE THE EXTRA TIME TO PHONE SENATOR KENNEDY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. OR HIS BOSTON OFFICE. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA) [Senator Kennedy intends to vote against the bill as introduced.] Staff contact: Robin Toone, 202-224-7878; Fax (202) 224-2417 Boston staff contact: Tom Cronyn, (617) 565-3170 [email protected] The F.O.P. will continueto oppose ALL of the Kennedy amendments and will work to ensure that these amendments fail if offered at the mark-up this week. We are asking ALL F.O.P. Members to contact their Senators--especially those on the Judiciary Committee (listed below) and ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 253. The following Members are cosponsors of the bill--ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and THANK them for supporting our bill. Senator Orrin G Hatch, Chairman (UT) Staff contact: Reed O'Connor, 202-224-5225 email: [email protected] Senator Patrick J. Leahy, Ranking Member (VT) Staff Contact: Ed Pagano, 202-224-7703 email: [email protected] Senator Charles E. Grassley (IA) Staff contact: Chad Groover, 202-224-5564 email: [email protected] Senator Jon L. Kyl (AZ) Staff contact: Joe Matal, 202-224-4521 email: n/a, website: www.kyl.senate.gov Senator Mike DeWine (OH) Staff contact: Evelyn Fortier, 202-224-9494 email: [email protected] Senator Jeff Sessions (AL) Staff contact: Andrea Sander, 202-224-7572 email: [email protected] Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) Staff contact: James Galyean, 202-224-5972 email: n/a website: : www.lgraham.senate.gov Senator Larry Craig Staff contact: Brooke Roberts, 202-224-2752 email: n/a website: www.craig.senate.gov/portal9.htm Senator Saxby Chambliss Staff contact: Camila MacLean, 202-224-3521 email: [email protected] Senator John Cornyn Staff contact: Tiffany Turner, 202-224-2934 email: n/a website: www.cornyn.senate.gov Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA) Staff contact: David Hantman, 202-224-4933 email: n/a, website: www.feinstein.senate.gov Senator Charles E. Schumer (NY) Staff contact: Jim Flood, 202-224-6542 email: [email protected] Senator John R. Edwards (NC) Staff contact: Robert Gordon, 202-2243154 email: n/a, website: edwards.senate.gov The following Members of the Judiciary Committee are NOT cosponsors. Contact them and ask them to vote AGAINST the Kennedy amendments and FOR S. 253: Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr (DE) Staff contact: Eric Rosen, 202-224-0558 email: [email protected] Senator Herbert H. Kohl (WI) Staff contact: Jeff Miller, 202-224-3406 email: [email protected] Senator Russ Feingold (WI) Staff contact: Alex Buzanski, 202-224-5573 email: n/a, website: feingold.senate.gov Senator Richard J. Durbin (IL) Staff contact: Chris Kang, 202-224-2152 email: [email protected] Senator Arlen Specter (PA) Staff contact: Frank Brown, 202-224-4254 email: [email protected] Be advised that the Legislative Section of the Grand Lodge website (www.grandlodgefop.org) has installed a "Legislative Alert" in our "Write to Congress" section. There you can find an e-mail specifically addressed to Senator Kennedy which asks him to withdraw his amendments and support S. 253. Make sure you get this information out to the local lodges and members in your State! cont.... |
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Posted: 3/4/2003 5:13:28 PM EDT
[#40]
......cont
III. F.O.P.’s Grassroots successful in gaining cosponsors for H.R. 218/S. 253 Congratulations are in order to the Idaho, Montana and North Dakota State Lodges. Every member of their State's Congressional delegation is a cosponsor of H.R. 218 or S. 253. Congratulations also go to the Alabama, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Virginia State Lodges, who have both of their Senators as cosponsors of S. 253; and to the State Lodges of Nevada and Wyoming, who have every member of their House delegation as a cosponsor of H.R. 218. We have several State Lodges which are close to having their entire Congressional delegation as cosponsors of this important bill as well: The Mississippi Lodge is missing only Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-2nd); The Nevada State Lodge is missing only Senator John Ensign (R); The New Mexico State Lodge is missing only Representative Heather Wilson (R-1st) and Senator Jeff Bingaman (D). The North Carolina State Lodge is missing only Representative Charles Taylor (R-11th) and Senator Elizabeth Dole (R). The Utah State Lodge is missing only Representative Rob Bishop (R-1st) and Senator Robert Bennett (R). Keep after those cosponsors and thank you for all of your hard work to date! Cosponsors of H.R. 218, 107th Congress who have not yet signed onto H.R. 218, 108th Congress (100 House Members: 64 Republicans and 36 Democrats as of 2 March) ALABAMA Everett ALASKA Young ARIZONA Shadegg CALIFORNIA Herger Ose Doolittle Pombo Radanovich Sherman Capps McKeon Berman Roybal-Allard Royce Gary Miller Baca Loretta Sanchez Cox Issa Filner COLORADO Hefley Tancredo CONNECTICUT DeLauro FLORIDA Crenshaw Stearns Putnam Goss Weldon Diaz-Balart Shaw GEORGIA Kingston Collins Deal HAWAII Abercrombie ILLINOIS Lipinski Davis Evans INDIANA Burton Hill Carson IOWA Leach Boswell Latham KANSAS Ryun Moore Tiahrt KENTUCKY Whitfield Rogers LOUISIANA Vitter John MICHIGAN Camp Smith Rogers Kildee Knollenberg MINNESOTA Peterson Oberstar MISSISSIPPI Thompson MISSOURI Clay NEBRASKA Osbourne NEW JERSEY Smith NEW MEXICO Wilson NEW YORK Israel Crowley McNulty Sweeney Reynolds N. CAROLINA Taylor OHIO Portman Boehner Tiberi Pryce Regula OKLAHOMA Istook Lucas OREGON DeFazio Hooley PENNSYLVANIA Peterson Greenwood Murtha Doyle RHODE ISLAND Kennedy S. CAROLINA Wilson DeMint TEXAS Barton Culberson Brady Lampson Granger Reyes DeLay Bonilla VIRGINIA Cantor Boucher WASHINGTON Hastings Nethercutt Dicks Smith WEST VIRGINIA Rahal WISCONSIN Petri Italics indicate the Representative is a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary Chris L. Granberg Senior Legislative Liaison Fraternal Order of Police National Legislative Office 309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (O) (202) 547 - 8189 (F) (202) 547 - 8190 grandlodgefop.org |
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Posted: 3/5/2003 2:59:12 PM EDT
[#41]
3-5-03 Update
CORRECTION: In yesterday’s distribution of the Weekly Legislative Update, the list of Representatives who cosponsored H.R. 218 in the 107th Congress but have not yet done so in the 108th, contained several errors. Below is the corrected list, and is current as of 4 March 2003. The following Members were incorrectly identified as NOT having cosponsored H.R. 218 thus far in the 108th Congress: KANSAS Rep. Jim Ryun (R-2nd) Rep. Dennis Moore (D-3rd) Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-4th) S. Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson (R-2nd) TEXAS Rep. Joe Barton (R-6th) West Virginia Rep. Nick Rahall (D-3rd) In addition, Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL-15th) signed on as a cosponsor yesterday. These seven members are now all cosponsors of the legislation, and we apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the National Legislative Office at (202) 547 8189 or [email protected] Cosponsors of H.R. 218, 107th Congress who have not yet signed onto H.R. 218, 108th Congress (92 House Members: 57 Republicans and 35 Democrats as of 5 March 2003) ALABAMA Everett ALASKA Young ARIZONA Shadegg CALIFORNIA Herger Ose Doolittle Pombo Radanovich Sherman Capps McKeon Berman Roybal-Allard Royce Gary Miller Baca Loretta Sanchez Cox Issa Filner COLORADO Hefley Tancredo CONNECTICUT DeLauro FLORIDA Crenshaw Stearns Putnam Goss Diaz-Balart Shaw GEORGIA Kingston Collins Deal HAWAII Abercrombie ILLINOIS Lipinski Davis Evans INDIANA Burton Hill Carson IOWA Leach Boswell Latham KENTUCKY Whitfield Rogers LOUISIANA Vitter John MICHIGAN Camp Smith Rogers Kildee Knollenberg MINNESOTA Peterson Oberstar MISSISSIPPI Thompson MISSOURI Clay NEBRASKA Osbourne NEW JERSEY Smith NEW MEXICO Wilson NEW YORK Israel Crowley McNulty Sweeney Reynolds N. CAROLINA Taylor OHIO Portman Boehner Tiberi Pryce Regula OKLAHOMA Istook OREGON DeFazio Hooley PENNSYLVANIA Peterson Greenwood Murtha Doyle RHODE ISLAND Kennedy S. CAROLINA DeMint TEXAS Culberson Brady Lampson Granger Reyes DeLay Bonilla VIRGINIA Cantor Boucher WASHINGTON Hastings Nethercutt Dicks Smith WISCONSIN Petri Italics indicate the Representative is a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary |
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Posted: 3/6/2003 2:08:00 PM EDT
[#42]
3-6-03 Update This was a big one guys.......
S. 253 Adopted by Senate Judiciary Committee F.O.P.’s Grassroots Effort for Concealed Carry Bill Instrumental to Today’s Success Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, hailed the passage of S. 253, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act,” by the Senate Judiciary Committee on an 18-1 vote this morning. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO), a former law enforcement officer, as well as Judiciary Chairman Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) and Ranking Member Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), exempts qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from State and local prohibitions with respect to the carrying of concealed firearms. The bill will now go to the Senate floor. “The membership of the Fraternal Order of Police is sincerely grateful to Chairman Hatch and especially to Ranking Member Leahy, who sponsored the bill in the previous Congress, for all their work shepherding this legislation through Committee,” said Canterbury. “Their long-standing and continued support of the Fraternal Order of Police on this issue demonstrates a true commitment to the safety of the men and women of law enforcement. We cannot thank them enough.” The Committee considered several amendments to the bill, all of which the F.O.P. opposed. Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Leahy worked together to defeat these amendments. “We’re going to be working with Senator Campbell, Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Leahy to find the best and most expeditious means by which to move this legislation, be it as a stand alone measure or as an amendment to another vehicle,” Canterbury said. “This is not a controversial piece of legislation--it’s a bill that will greatly enhance the safety of the officer and the public at large.” During the mark-up, both Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Leahy thanked the F.O.P. repeatedly for its strong and aggressive support of the legislation. National President Canterbury attributed today’s success to the strong support the bill received from F.O.P. members throughout the country. “Our members made the difference. Their phone calls and e-mails to their Senators on the Judiciary Committee gave the bill the momentum it needed to pass today. F.O.P. members know how important this bill is and they did an outstanding job conveying that importance to their Senators. We have got to keep building on the momentum which we have developed to date. In all of the years that the F.O.P. has led the fight to get this bill passed, we have never moved the ball this far this early.” The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 300,000 members. Chris L. Granberg Senior Legislative Liaison Fraternal Order of Police National Legislative Office 309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (O) (202) 547 - 8189 (F) (202) 547 - 8190 grandlodgefop.org |
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Posted: 3/7/2003 1:49:52 PM EDT
[#43]
3-7-03 Update...
LEGISLATIVE ALERT: COMMITTEE ACTION ON S. 253 On 6 March, the Senate Judiciary Committee marked-up and favorably reported S. 253, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act," on an 18-1 vote. The legislation, the F.O.P.'s top priority in the Senate, had been the first legislative item on the Judiciary Committee's agenda since early February, but debates over judicial nominees occupied most of the Committee's time. At the Committee meeting on 6 March, Chairman Hatch set aside the Committee's other business to consider S. 253. Senator Kennedy, who had previously signaled his intention to offer amendments in an effort to defeat, water down, and delay favorable Committee action on the legislation, offered four of the seven amendments he had prepared. An analysis of those amendments and the results of the votes can be found below. Senator Kennedy first offered Amendment #130, which would allow police chiefs and law enforcement executives to prohibit active law enforcement officers from carrying weapons even while offduty. The Senator, citing the strong support of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for the amendment, argued that the legislation would permit law enforcement officers to carry any firearm while on-duty, unless it was made clear that officers were not exempt from a law enforcement agencies' rules, policies and practices. The F.O.P. opposed the amendment. The provisions of the amendment must be examined in terms of the labor-management relationship. Employers should not have the authority to make decisions affecting the safety of an off-duty officer. The actions and decisions of the employee should not be subject to review and approval by his employer. We also pointed out that Senator Kennedy's and the IACP's contention that police chiefs and police executives would be unable to prohibit on-duty law enforcement officers from carrying firearms other than the one issued to them by their department is spurious at best. A law enforcement officer is not permitted to drive his own car on patrol, he has to drive the department's patrol vehicle. Nor can a law enforcement officer wear whatever clothing he likes, officers are required to dress in a uniform or other approved dress. Police chiefs and command officers will be able to define what their on-duty officers will carry if S. 253 becomes law, just as they can set other regulations and policies regarding an officer's on-duty conduct. Chairman Hatch moved to table, or kill, the amendment, removing it from the Committee's consideration. The vote tally is as follows: Voting AYE (16): Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Leahy, Senators Grassley, Specter, Kyl, DeWine, Sessions, Graham, Craig, Chambliss, Cornyn, Biden, Kohl, Feinstein, Schumer and Edwards. Voting NAY (3): Senators Kennedy, Feingold and Durbin. The amendment was tabled, or killed. Senator Kennedy then offered Amendment #133, which sought to add a "performance based" standard to Federal law prohibiting certain types of ammunition and also give the U.S. Attorney General the power to ban brands of ammunition which are deemed to be advertised as "armor-piercing" rounds. The Senator argued that the legislation would protect law enforcement officers from ammunition designed to penetrate body armor. Senator Durbin also argued in favor of the amendment. The F.O.P. opposed the amendment. The fact is that, since 1992, no law enforcement officer has been killed by a round fired from a handgun which penetrated his soft body armor--such rounds are, by definition, illegal, and thus make the amendment unnecessary. At this time, no expansion or revision of the current law is needed to protect law enforcement officers from armor-piercing rounds. It was not a genuine officer safety issue. If it were, Senator Kennedy would not have offered the amendment to a bill he strongly opposes and is working to defeat. It was an attempt to damage the bill's future chances on the Senate floor and in the House. Chairman Hatch moved to table, or kill, the amendment, removing it from the Committee's consideration. The vote tally is as follows: Voting AYE (10): Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Leahy, Senators Grassley, Specter, Kyl, Sessions, Graham, Craig, Chambliss, and Cornyn. Voting NAY (6): Senators Kennedy, Kohl, Feingold , Schumer, Durbin and Edwards. PASS, not voting (3): Senators DeWine, Biden and Feinstein. The amendment was tabled, or killed. cont... |
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Posted: 3/7/2003 1:51:16 PM EDT
[#44]
.......cont
Senator Kennedy then offered Amendment #132, which would allow States to "opt out" of complying with the legislation once signed into law. Senator Kennedy and Durbin argued that "States' rights" would be violated without the opt out provision. The F.O.P. opposed the amendment. The problem that the legislation is trying to solve is the nationwide patchwork of different laws and regulations regarding the carrying of concealed firearms, which may place active and retired law enforcement officers in legal jeopardy. Congress has the authority, under the "full faith and credit" clause of the Constitution, to extend full faith and credit to qualified active and retired law enforcement officers who have met the criteria to carry firearms set by one State, and make those credentials applicable and recognized in all States and territories in these United States. States and localities issue firearms to their police officers and set their own requirements for their officers in training and qualifying in the use of these weapons. This legislation maintains the States' power to set these requirements and determine whether or not an active or retired officer is qualified in the use of the firearm, and would allow only this narrow universe of persons to carry their firearms when traveling outside their jurisdiction. This is similar to the States' issuance of drivers' licenses--the standards may differ slightly from State to State, but all States recognize that the drivers have been certified to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways. Further, Congress has previously acted to exempt armored car guards and airline pilots from State and local prohibitions on the carrying of firearms. In June of 1993, the Senate and House approved PL 103-55, the "Armored Car Industry Reciprocity Act." This law mandated reciprocity for weapons licenses issued to armored car company crew members among States (including the District of Columbia). In its final form, the bill passed both the House and the Senate by voice vote. Congress amended the Act in 1998, providing that the licenses must be renewed every two years. The law allows armored car guards--who do not have nearly the same level of training and qualifications as law enforcement officers--to receive a license to carry a firearm in one State and forces other States to recognize its validity. Both the House and the Senate also passed legislation which deputized airline pilots and granted them an exemption to State and local prohibitions on the carrying of firearms. The House adopted H.R. 4635, the "Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act," on 10 July 2002 by a vote of 310113 (Roll Call Vote #292). On 5 September 2002, the Senate adopted Senate Amendment No. 4492, the "Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act and Cabin Defense Act," which passed on an 876 vote and was incorporated into H.R. 5005, which is now PL 107296. Title XIV, Section 1402 reads in part: "(f)(2) PREEMPTION Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal or State law, a Federal flight deck officer, whenever necessary to participate in the program, may carry a firearm in any State and from 1 State to another State." This language is nearly identical to that used in S. 253. Chairman Hatch moved to table, or kill, the amendment, removing it from the Committee's consideration. The vote tally is as follows: Voting AYE (15): Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Leahy, Senators Grassley, Specter, Kyl, DeWine, Sessions, Graham, Craig, Chambliss, Cornyn, Biden, Feinstein, Schumer and Edwards. Voting NAY (4): Senators Kennedy, Kohl, Feingold, and Durbin. The amendment was tabled, or killed. |
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Posted: 3/10/2003 9:35:53 PM EDT
[#45]
I don't know about anyone else, but I have a problem with retired LEOs carrying. Is there goona be an age limit? I don't want a 90 year old dirty harry popping a hole in the window seat of a 747. Is there gonna be some handgun qualification for retirees? I should hope so. If they are packin, they better have a clue as to what they are gonna shoot at. I am not saying some are great shots, but there are some guys I know that are active police that I certainly would not want to be shooting on an airplane.
Just my two cents. |
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Posted: 3/11/2003 8:27:20 AM EDT
[#46]
AZ: I can assure you that this bill does not allow the carring of weapons on an airplane, and the individual retiree must have retired in good stead and otherwise have authorization to carry a weapon in their state. It just extends the right to carry the weapon outside one's state boarder. Finally, with most retirement packages allowing retirement after as little as ten and customarily 20 years, the majority of us retirees are in their 40-50s and the 90 y/o are few and far between.
Don't forget where you are now we once were and where we are now, you will be. |
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Posted: 3/12/2003 3:16:21 PM EDT
[#47]
3-12-03 Update:
UPDATE ON F.O.P. TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: A. H.R. 218/S. 253, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act" We added eight (8) new cosponsors to H.R. 218, bringing our current total to one hundred and sixty-four (164). This total includes nine (9) of the thirteen (13) Members of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, which has jurisdiction over the bill. The Chairman of the Subcommittee, Howard Coble (R-NC) is one of the cosponsors, as is Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO). The full list is available online at http://thomas.loc.gov . The National Legislative Office and National Legislative Committee is focusing on getting Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) to sign on as a cosponsor. He is currently the only Republican on the Subcommittee who has not yet signed on as a cosponsor. In addition to Rep. Feeney, the Grand Lodge is actively engaged in trying to sign on the ninety-one (91) Members who were cosponsors in the previous Congress. A list of those Representatives can be found at the end of this report, and it has been provided to the National Legislative Committee so that they can assist in this effort at the grassroots level. Committee Action on S. 253!!! In what can only be described as a resounding victory for the F.O.P. and an impressive show of strength by our grassroots activists, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed S. 253 without amendment on an 18-1 vote yesterday, 6 March. A full analysis of the Committee's actions appears below at No. III. S. 253 currently has forty-two (42) cosponsors, which include both Assistant Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Whip Harry Reid (D-NV). The full list is available online at http://thomas.loc.gov . Grassroots successful at signing cosponsors on H.R. 218/S. 253 Congratulations are in order to the Idaho and North Dakota State Lodges. Every member of their State's Congressional delegation is a cosponsor of H.R. 218 or S. 253. Congratulations also go to the Alabama, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Virginia State Lodges, who have both of their Senators as cosponsors of S. 253; and to the State Lodges of Nevada and Wyoming, who have every member of their House delegation as a cosponsor of H.R. 218. We have several State Lodges which are close to having their entire Congressional delegation as cosponsors of this important bill as well: The Kansas State Lodge is missing only Representative Jerry Moran (R-1st) and Senator Pat Roberts (R). The Mississippi State Lodge is missing only Representative Bennie G.Thompson (D-2nd). The Nevada State Lodge is missing only Senator John Ensign (R). The New Mexico State Lodge is missing only Representative Heather Wilson (R-1st) and Senator Jeff Bingaman (D). The Tennessee State Lodge is missing only Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-7th) and Senators Lamar Alexander (R) and Bill Frist (R). The Utah State Lodge is missing only Representative Rob Bishop (R-1st) and Senator Robert Bennett (R). Keep after those cosponsors and thank you for all of your hard work to date! Cont.... |
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Posted: 3/12/2003 3:21:56 PM EDT
[#48]
......Cont
ANALYSIS OF COMMITTEE ACTION ON S. 253 S. 253, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act” and the F.O.P.'s top priority in the Senate, had been the first legislative item on the Judiciary Committee's agenda since 6 February, but debates over judicial nominees occupied most of the Committee's time. At the Committee meeting on 6 March, Chairman Hatch set aside the Committee's other business to consider S. 253. Senator Kennedy, who had previously signaled his intention to offer amendments in an effort to defeat, water down, and delay favorable Committee action on the legislation, offered four of the seven amendments he had prepared. An analysis of those amendments and the results of the votes can be found below. Senator Kennedy first offered Amendment #130, which would allow police chiefs and law enforcement executives to prohibit active law enforcement officers from carrying weapons even while off-duty. The Senator, citing the strong support of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for the amendment,argued that the legislation would permit law enforcement officers to carry any firearm while on-duty, unless it was made clear that officers were not exempt from a law enforcement agency’s rules, policies and practices. The F.O.P. opposed the amendment. Chairman Hatch moved to table, or kill, the amendment, removing it from the Committee’s consideration. The vote tally is as follows: Voting AYE (16): Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Leahy, Senators Grassley, Specter, Kyl, DeWine, Sessions, Graham, Craig, Chambliss, Cornyn, Biden, Kohl, Feinstein, Schumer and Edwards. Voting NAY (3): Senators Kennedy, Feingold and Durbin. The amendment was tabled, or killed. Senator Kennedy then offered Amendment #133, which sought to add a “performance based” standard to Federal law prohibiting certain types of ammunition and also give the U.S. Attorney General the power to ban brands of ammunition which are deemed to be advertised as “armor-piercing” rounds. The Senator argued that the legislation would protect law enforcement officers from ammunition designed to penetrate body armor. Senator Durbin also argued in favor of the amendment. The F.O.P. opposed the amendment. Chairman Hatch moved to table, or kill, the amendment, removing it from the Committee’s consideration. The vote tally is as follows: Voting AYE (10): Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Leahy, Senators Grassley, Specter, Kyl, Sessions, Graham, Craig, Chambliss, and Cornyn. Voting NAY (6): Senators Kennedy, Kohl, Feingold , Schumer, Durbin and Edwards. PASS, not voting (3): Senators DeWine, Biden and Feinstein. The amendment was tabled, or killed. Senator Kennedy then offered Amendment #132, which would allow States to “opt out” of complying with the legislation once signed into law. Senators Kennedy and Durbin argued that “States’ rights” would be violated without the opt-out provision. The F.O.P. opposed the amendment. The problem that the legislation is trying to solve is the nationwide patchwork of different laws and regulations regarding the carrying of concealed firearms, which may place active and retired law enforcement officers in legal jeopardy. Congress has the authority, under the “full faith and credit” clause of the Constitution, to extend full faith and credit to qualified active and retired law enforcement officers who have met the criteria to carry firearms set by one State, and make those credentials applicable and recognizedin all States and territories in these United States. States and localities issue firearms to their police officers and set their own requirements for their officers in training and qualifying in the use of these weapons. This legislation maintains the States’ power to set these requirements and determine whether or not an active or retired officer is qualified in the use of the firearm, and would allow only this narrow universe of persons to carry their firearms when traveling outside their jurisdiction. This is similar to the States’ issuance of drivers’ licenses--the standards may differ slightly from State to State, but all States recognize that the drivers have been certified to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways. Chairman Hatch moved to table, or kill, the amendment, removing it from the Committee’s consideration. The vote tally is as follows: Voting AYE (15): Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Leahy, Senators Grassley, Specter, Kyl, DeWine, Sessions, Graham, Craig, Chambliss, Cornyn, Biden, Feinstein, Schumer and Edwards. Voting NAY (4): Senators Kennedy, Kohl, Feingold, and Durbin. The amendment was tabled, or killed. Senator Kennedy then offered Amendment #129, which would allow local governments to prohibit concealed weapons in churches, schools, bars, sport stadiums, government offices, hospitals, health facilities and any place where alcohol is served. The Senator argued that his amendment would create “safe harbors” and allow States and localities to prohibit the carrying of firearms. The F.O.P. opposed the amendment. Chairman Hatch moved to table, or kill, the amendment, removing it from the Committee’s consideration. The vote tally is as follows: Voting AYE (14): Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Leahy, Senators Grassley, Specter, Kyl,Sessions, Graham, Craig, Chambliss, Cornyn, Biden, Feinstein, Schumer and Edwards. Voting NAY (4): Senators Kennedy, Kohl, Feingold and Durbin. PASS, not voting (1): Senator DeWine. The amendment was tabled, or killed. The Committee then voted on the bill itself, S. 253, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act.” The vote tally was as follows: Voting AYE (18): Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Leahy, Senators Grassley, Specter, Kyl, DeWine, Sessions, Graham, Craig, Chambliss, Cornyn, Biden, Kohl, Feinstein, Feingold, Schumer, Durbin and Edwards. Voting NAY (1): Senator Kennedy. The legislation was favorably reported, and has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar. IV. F.O.P. NEWS: (6 March 2003) S. 253 Adopted by Senate Judiciary Committee; F.O.P.’s Grassroots Effort for Concealed Carry Bill Instrumental to Today’s Success Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, hailed the passage of S. 253, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act,” by the Senate Judiciary Committee on an 18-1 vote this morning. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO), a former law enforcement officer, as well as Judiciary Chairman Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) and Ranking Member Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), exempts qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from State and local prohibitions with respect to the carrying of concealed firearms. The bill will now go to the Senate floor. The Committee considered several amendments to the bill, all of which the F.O.P. opposed. Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Leahy worked together to defeat these amendments. “We’re going to be working with Senator Campbell, Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Leahy to find the best and most expeditious means by which to move this legislation, be it as a stand alone measure or as an amendment to another vehicle,” Canterbury said. “This is not a controversial piece of legislation--it’s a bill that will greatly enhance the safety of the officer and the public at large.” F.O.P. members know how important this bill is and they did an outstanding job conveying that importance to their Senators. We have got to keep building on the momentum which we have developed to date. In all of the years that the F.O.P. has led the fight to get this bill passed, we have never moved the ball this far this early.” Cont.... |
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Posted: 3/12/2003 3:23:03 PM EDT
[#49]
...Cont
Cosponsors of H.R. 218, 107th Congress who have not yet signed onto H.R. 218, 108th Congress (91 House Members: 59 Republicans and 32 Democrats as of 11 March 2003): ALABAMA Everett ALASKA Young ARIZONA Shadegg CALIFORNIA Herger Ose Doolittle Pombo Radanovich Sherman Capps McKeon Berman Roybal-Allard Gary Miller Baca Loretta Sanchez Cox Issa Filner COLORADO Hefley Tancredo CONNECTICUT DeLauro FLORIDA Crenshaw Stearns Putnam Goss L. Diaz-Balart Shaw GEORGIA Kingston Collins Deal HAWAII Abercrombie ILLINOIS Lipinski Davis Evans INDIANA Burton Hill Carson IOWA Leach Latham KANSAS Moran KENTUCKY Whitfield Rogers LOUISIANA Vitter John MICHIGAN Camp Smith Rogers Kildee Knollenberg MINNESOTA Peterson Oberstar MISSISSIPPI Thompson MISSOURI Clay NEBRASKA Osbourne NEW JERSEY Smith NEW MEXICO Wilson NEW YORK Israel Crowley McNulty Sweeney Reynolds N. CAROLINA Taylor OHIO Boehner Tiberi Pryce Regula OKLAHOMA Istook OREGON DeFazio Hooley PENNSYLVANIA Peterson Greenwood Murtha Doyle RHODE ISLAND Kennedy S. CAROLINA Brown DeMint TEXAS Culberson Brady Lampson Granger Reyes DeLay Bonilla VIRGINIA Cantor Boucher WASHINGTON Nethercutt Dicks Smith WEST VIRGINIA Capito WISCONSIN Petri Chris L. Granberg Senior Legislative Liaison Fraternal Order of Police National Legislative Office 309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (O) (202) 547 - 8189 (F) (202) 547 - 8190 grandlodgefop.org |
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Posted: 3/12/2003 9:33:11 PM EDT
[#50]
Robertesq1: Thanks for taking the time to keep us up to date on this.
Any idea if Representative Sensenbrenner is still around? IIRC, he’s the committee chairman who held up this bill in the House for two years. Also (being an old bureaucrat myself), I kinda share some of aztrooper’s concerns. However, CCW holders here in Virginia can be any age or medical condition (other than a juvenile or maybe mentally ill). Further – to the best of my knowledge – they don’t need to have ever so much as actually fired a firearm in their entire life! Admittedly then, if average citizens can carry under those conditions, it doesn’t make any sense that retired LEO’s can’t. |
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