[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SAFETY ACT IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2010

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today, the House of Representatives passed 
the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act of 2010, which 
passed the Senate unanimously in May. I applaud the leadership of the 
House for taking up this legislation, which is of great importance to 
the law enforcement community. Today's action brings to a successful 
conclusion the good work of Senators and Representatives who have 
helped move this legislation through both Chambers and builds upon the 
bipartisan Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act that was enacted in 
2004.
  I want to recognize the longstanding efforts and strong support of 
the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers 
Association, and the National Association of Police Organizations, 
along with many others in the broader law enforcement community. Their 
support and assistance contributed greatly to today's success. I also 
thank the Judiciary Committee's ranking member Senator Sessions, 
Senator Kyl, and Senator Conrad for their cosponsorship.
  This legislation will assist qualified Federal, State, and local law 
enforcement officers in exercising their privileges related to the 
interstate concealed carry of firearms under existing law more easily 
and efficiently. The legislation will give active-duty officers and 
qualified retired officers more flexibility in obtaining the necessary 
credentials in several important ways and will overcome some of the 
challenges that retired officers have faced in the past in obtaining 
certification. The legislation will also remove some of the 
administrative pressure on law enforcement agencies by allowing the 
required firearms qualification testing of retired officers to be done 
by a private firearms instructor who is certified to test active-duty 
officers in his or her jurisdiction and at the officer's own expense. 
And it will give law enforcement agencies more certainty and authority 
when determining whether a retired officer suffers from mental health 
issues sufficient to disqualify that officer from certification under 
the law.
  I have great confidence in the men and women in law enforcement who 
put their own lives on the line to serve their fellow citizens every 
day. This confidence extends to these men and women whether they are on 
the job or off duty. I trust in them and their proven ability to 
exercise the firearm privileges provided under the Law Enforcement 
Officers Safety Act responsibly and with the same solemnity with which 
they approach their official duties.
  I have said many times that Congress's efforts to assist State and 
local law enforcement are a crucial part of our Federal policy and a 
policy that pays dividends in our overall capability to protect the 
citizens of the United States. State and local law enforcement officers 
are the first line of defense and support in America's communities, and 
for that they deserve the recognition and continued support of 
Congress. We must also recognize the men and women who serve as law 
enforcement officers throughout the Federal Government, for whom this 
legislation will also provide benefits. Federal officers play an 
indispensible role in the Federal system and in important partnerships 
with State and local officials around the country. I am glad that the 
improvements we have worked for over the last several years will 
finally be enacted, and I look forward to hearing about the positive 
changes that will come.

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