[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 109 (Wednesday, August 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  LEGISLATION TO RAISE THE MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE FOR U.S. CAPITOL 
                     POLICE OFFICERS FROM 57 TO 60

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                      HON. JAMES A. TRAFICANT, JR.

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 5, 1998

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
change the mandatory retirement age for U.S. Capitol Police Officers 
from 57 to 60. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.
  As every Member of Congress know, the Capitol Police is one of the 
most professional and dedicated law enforcement agencies in the 
country. They perform a vital and important function. The force is 
blessed to have a large number of experienced and highly competent 
officers. Unfortunately, every year dozens of officers are forced to 
leave the force because of the mandatory retirement rule. Many of these 
officers are in excellent physical condition. More important, they 
possess a wealth of experience and savvy that is difficult, if not, 
impossible to replace.
  Raising the mandatory retirement age from 57 to 60 will provide the 
Capitol Police with the flexibility to retain experienced, highly 
competent and dedicated officers. It will enhance and improve security 
by ensuring that the force experiences a slower rate of turnover. 
Please keep in mind that should this legislation become law, Capitol 
Police officers between the ages of 57 and 60 would still have to meet 
the standard requirements to remain on the force, including proficiency 
on the shooting range.
  This legislation is a common sense measure that will go a long way in 
improving and enhancing what is already one of the finest law 
enforcement agencies in the world. Once again, I urge my colleagues to 
support this bill.

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