[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REID:
  S. 2060. A bill to permit certain local law enforcement officers to 
carry firearms on aircraft; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
make it easier for local law enforcement officers to travel across the 
country. Whether on official travel or personal travel, Federal law 
enforcement officers are allowed to carry firearms with them throughout 
their travel. The legislation I am introducing today would extend the 
same privilege--and responsibility--to local law enforcement officers.
  Ever since the horrific terrorist attacks that occurred on September 
11, we have seen how our local emergency responders, including local 
law enforcement officers, play a vital role in protecting not just 
their local communities, but the entire Nation. We think of local law 
enforcement officers as the Nation's first responders, but they are 
also the Nation's early preventers. They are the first to identify 
local crimes that could turn into National attacks. They are the first 
to report suspicious behavior that could thwart a future terrorist 
attack. Stopping a terrorist threat before it becomes an attack is the 
best way to keep our Nation safe. That effort relies upon the eyes, 
ears and experience of our Nation's law enforcement officers.
  A terrorist attack in any city is a national concern. Local law 
enforcement officers are a crucial element of the plan to protect our 
Nation. I appreciate the help of Detective David Kallas and General 
Counsel John Dean Harper for bringing this issue to my attention. This 
bill will help give them and their law enforcement colleagues the 
standing they deserve as they continue to protect our hometowns and the 
Nation.
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