[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 17, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S3004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, today, with great humility during National
Police Week, I wish to recognize the brave men and women of law
enforcement across the country. These individuals have answered the
call to serve and every day they put their lives on the line to keep
our communities safe. I especially want to honor those who have lost
their lives in the line of duty and observe the sacrifices of their
families.
First, I especially want to recognize three law enforcement officers
who lost their lives in New Jersey last year. These three men made the
ultimate sacrifice for their communities, and we owe them and their
families our sincerest respect. On July 1, 2016, the New Jersey
Department of Corrections lost Nikeelan ``Nick'' Semmon. On March 7,
2016, the New Jersey State Police lost Sean Cullen. On December 5,
2016, the New Jersey State Police also lost Frankie Williams.
These officers dedicated their lives to protecting our communities,
and they served our State with valor and integrity. I feel privileged
to call them fellow New Jerseyans, and my thoughts and prayers continue
to be with the family and friends of these brave public servants. As we
continue to mourn and remember Officer Semmon, Trooper Cullen, and
Trooper Williams, let us pledge to honor their sacrifice by working
every day to emulate their devotion to public service through acts of
service and love.
It is in that spirit that I want to talk about the important work
that still needs to be done to support law enforcement. Congress plays
a critical role in supporting law enforcement, both at the Federal
level and at the State and local level. There are few bills I want to
mention that I believe we must pass to uphold our commitment to brave
men and women in law enforcement.
First, on February 16, 2017, I introduced the bipartisan Law
Enforcement Officers' Equity Act. Unfortunately, due to a technical
error, nearly 30,000 Federal law enforcement officers classified as GS-
0083 police officers did not receive enhanced benefits under the U.S.
Code. For example, certain officers who work for Federal agencies, such
as the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal
Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Mint, National
Institute of Health and many more, receive lower pensions as compared
to other law enforcement officers with similar responsibilities.
The Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act would expand the definition
of ``law enforcement officer'' for retirement purposes to include all
Federal law enforcement officers. The change would grant law
enforcement officer status to the follow individuals: employees who are
authorized to carry a firearm and whose duties include the
investigation and/or apprehension of suspected criminals; employees of
the Internal Revenue Service whose duties are primarily the collection
of delinquent taxes and securing delinquent returns; employees of the
U.S Postal Inspection Service; and employees of the Department of
Veterans Affairs who are department police offices. These officers face
the same risks and challenges as the men and women currently classified
properly under Federal law as law enforcement officers, and they
deserve the same benefits. We must pass this bill.
I am also a proud cosponsor of the Children of Fallen Heroes
Scholarship Act. This legislation would increase the amount of Pell
grant funds available to children of fallen law enforcement officers,
firefighters, EMS workers, and fire police. First responders across the
country put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. When
most people are running away from danger, they are running towards it.
For those who put themselves in danger on a daily basis, we must honor
their sacrifice and support their families in times of tragedy. Helping
children of first responders pay for an education is the least we can
do to honor the sacrifice of someone who fell in the line of duty. We
must pass this bill.
I am also a cosponsor of the Law Enforcement Mental Health and
Wellness Act of 2017, which I am pleased to say passed the Senate
yesterday. We all know the stress and unique challenges police officers
across our Nation face in doing their jobs. They risk their lives and
are often exposed to traumatizing incidents. The Federal Government
must do all it can to support police who suffer from trauma or other
mental health issues due to the rigors and dangers of their job. The
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 would direct the
Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Resources
to provide support to State and local law enforcement to access mental
healthcare services and make sure that hotlines are available for
officers who are in need of help. I hope the House of Representatives
takes up this bill soon and passes it.
I am proud to sponsor the Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act and
cosponsor the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act and Law
Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act. There is so much work for
us to do to live up to our commitment to law enforcement across the
country, and I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues on
these critical issues. Thank you.
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