[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25379]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 25379]]

INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS RETIREMENT RELIEF 
                                  ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VITO FOSSELLA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing on behalf of the 
more than 41,000 federal law enforcement officers a bill to more fairly 
calculate the formula used for disability retirement. Federal law 
enforcement retirement is based on a terribly complex formula which is 
less than equitable to the brave officers who become disabled when they 
put their lives on the line. My bill amends the federal disability 
retirement laws to properly reflect their retirement contributions and 
their public service.
  Our federal law enforcement officers, federal fire fighters, capitol 
police and their families are now often treated inequitably after 
suffering what amounts to a career ending disability. My bill will 
correct this situation.
  In too many cases, an officer injured in the line of duty may not 
have met the minimum years of government service required for 
disability benefits and survivor annuity. Their annuity and survivor 
benefits would then be computed at a lower rate than normal for law 
enforcement officers. it would be computed at the lower general civil 
service rate, despite the fact that the law enforcement officer paid a 
higher rate into his retirement. My bill provides retirement benefits 
and survivor annuities on an equitable and fair basis.
  I hope that my colleagues will join me in co-sponsoring this 
legislation so that we can help provide fair and equitable treatment to 
the men and women who so courageously serve our country.

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