[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 17, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S2980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                  American Law Enforcement Heroes Act

  Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I know people outside the beltway think 
nothing ever happens here--and certainly that nothing ever happens on a 
bipartisan basis--but they would be wrong on both counts.
  Last night, the Senate passed a piece of bipartisan legislation 
called the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act. It is a great example 
of legislation everyone can agree on and get behind.
  The main goal is to connect veterans--those who have served in our 
military and have a passion for public service--to opportunities in 
State and local law enforcement. When we think about it, who better 
than our retiring military personnel who are accustomed to wearing one 
uniform, moving then into the civilian law enforcement world wearing 
another uniform but continuing their legacy of public service. That 
way, those who have voluntarily put themselves in harm's way to keep 
the peace and promote American interests abroad and defend our homeland 
can continue the record of public service at home.
  For veterans, that can mean a rewarding job in law enforcement. 
Through their training, experience, and sacrifice, there is no doubt 
that our veterans are equipped with valuable skills to keep our 
communities safe. By prioritizing existing Federal funds for State and 
local law enforcement agencies to hire veterans, we can better serve 
them as they transition into civilian life. We know that can be a 
challenging transition, but that is exactly what the American Law 
Enforcement Heroes Act that we passed yesterday does.
  For State and local law enforcement groups, that means they can 
attract the best qualified men and women who are eager to serve their 
country in a new way. So this is really a win-win.
  Fortunately, this legislation builds on the good work already 
underway in places like my home State of Texas. Over the last several 
months, I have had a chance to visit cities and counties all over the 
State that are actively recruiting veterans to serve as police officers 
or sheriffs. That includes law enforcement leaders from San Antonio to 
Houston, to Fort Worth. As my colleagues may recall, following the 
terrible killing of five police officers and shooting of seven more in 
Dallas, Police Chief David Brown made an appeal for people who were 
protesting or otherwise concerned about the law enforcement agencies 
involved to sign up and join them--to be a part of the solution and not 
just protesting the problem.
  Thankfully, we have set a tremendous example in Texas of how hiring 
veterans to serve as law enforcement officers benefits all of our 
communities. I am glad this bill will follow their inspiration and help 
communities across the country hire more veterans.
  I said before that this legislation is something everyone can agree 
on, in a polarized political environment, and that is of course evident 
by the broad bipartisan support it has received.
  Let me express my gratitude to the senior Senator from Minnesota, Ms. 
Klobuchar, as well as the senior Senators from Connecticut and 
California--all Democratic colleagues--for being my original cosponsors 
on the bill. I am also grateful to my Republican colleagues, including 
Senator Cruz, as well as the junior Senator from North Carolina and the 
senior Senators from Iowa, Utah, and Nevada, for working with us on 
this legislation.
  My friend Congressman Will Hurd on the House side introduced the same 
bill there, and I am hopeful it will pass sometime today so we can get 
this to the President's desk for his signature without delay.
  I would also note that the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act is 
backed by major law enforcement groups across the country, including 
the Fraternal Order of Police, the Major County Sheriffs of America, 
the Major City Chiefs Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I 
have been grateful for their help along the way toward passage of this 
bill.
  I look forward to this bill becoming a law--hopefully, this week, as 
we continue to celebrate Police Week honoring the service of the men 
and women in blue who keep our communities safe--and making it clear 
that this Congress cares not only about our veterans but also our law 
enforcement officials as well.
  Madam President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maryland.