[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 61 (Thursday, May 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             BULLETPROOF VEST PARTNERSHIP GRANT ACT OF 1998

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                               speech of

                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 1998

  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of H.R. 2829, 
the ``Bulletproof Vest partnership Grant Act of 1998.'' I would like to 
thank my friend from Indiana Congressman Visclosky, and my friend from 
New Jersey Congressman LoBiondo, for bringing this long overdue and 
much needed bill to the floor of the House. Times have changed and we 
must pass H.R. 2829 in order to protect the men and women who risk 
their lives everyday for our safety. The bulletproof vests of 15 or 20 
years ago are no longer adequate protection. The passage of this bill 
would authorize up to twenty-five million dollars a year for a new 
matching grant program to help state and local law enforcement 
departments purchase new bulletproof vests and body armor. The new body 
armor today is thinner, lighter and offers more protection. The vests 
can even be fitted with additional plates for even extra protection.
  The bill would also give preference in awarding grants to 
jurisdictions where officers do not currently have vests. The grants 
will be sent directly to the agencies that apply for them, resulting in 
the officers getting their new vests and body armor that much quicker. 
From 1987 to 1996, 637 officers ere feloniously killed by a firearm. Of 
that figure, 393 officers, roughly 62 percent, were not wearing a 
bulletproof vest or body armor when they were shot.
  Every police officer and correctional officer in this country should 
have the protection of a bulletproof vest or body armor. This bill will 
go a long way in making that vision a reality. What better way to 
recognize national Police Week than by passing this legislation. 
Support H.R. 2829.

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