WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 
For the Week of 18 May 2001 

I. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS:

The House and Senate were both in session this week.

The House passed H.R. 1836, the "Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act" and H.R. 1646, the "Foreign Relations Appropriations Act", and considered its own education bill (H.R. 1). On 15 May, the House adopted H.R. 1727, the "Fallen Hero Survivor Benefits Fairness Act" by a unanimous 419-0 vote. The measure would extend favorable tax treatment of annuities to survivors of public safety officers killed in the line of duty on or before Dec. 31, 1996.

The Senate continued to debate the Administration's education bill (S. 1) and tax cut package. The Senate passed H.R. 802, the "Public Safety Officers Medal of Valor Act," which will now be sent to the President for his signature (see Press Release at No. II). The Senate also passed S. 166, the "James Guelff and Chris McCurley Body Armor Act," which was transmitted to the House and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The bill will limit access to body armor by violent felons and to facilitate the donation of Federal surplus body armor to State and local law enforcement agencies. They are expected to continue consideration of H.R. 1836, the Administrations tax and budget reconciliation bill with final votes expected before Congress adjourns for the Memorial Day Recess on Friday, 25 May.

II. F.O.P. Press Release: MEDAL OF VALOR ACT WILL GO TO THE PRESIDENT;
Guellf-McCurly Body Armor Act Passes Senate:

Gilbert G. Gallegos, National President of the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, welcomed the passage of H.R. 802, the "Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act," on the Senate floor. The legislation, proposed by the F.O.P. and sponsored by Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), authorizes Congress to recognize acts of exceptional valor and heroism by law enforcement and other public safety officers. It will now be transmitted to the President for his signature.

"The Senate chose National Police Week to pass this bill, which I think is an appropriate tribute to our nation's law enforcement officers," Gallegos said. "This legislation enables Congress to recognize the everyday heroes of America's communities, those whose selfless dedication to duty and to protecting our streets and neighborhoods too often goes unnoticed."

The bill creates a medal, awarded by the President in the name of Congress, to law enforcement officers who demonstrate courage and bravery above and beyond the call of duty without regard for their personal safety.

The Senate also passed S. 166, the "James Guelff and Chris McCurley Body Armor Act." This bill, which the F.O.P. strongly supports, would increase the penalties for criminals who wear body armor and prohibit violent felons from possessing body armor. It would also permit the Federal government to donate surplus body armor to State and local agencies. The bill will now be transmitted to the House for further action.

The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with over 293,000 members.

III. UPDATE ON TOP PRIORITIES:

No new cosponsors were added to H.R. 21 (Lautenberg). Our current total is fourteen (14).

Nine new cosponsors were added to H.R. 218 (Concealed Carry), bringing our current total to one hundred and fourteen (114). We still need to boost our cosponsorship of this legislation, and we ask that all members contact their Representatives and ask them to cosponsor this bill. If you do not know the contact information for you Member of Congress you can call the main Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or search the online directory at www.house.gov

No new cosponsors were added to H.R. 1475 (Collective Bargaining). Our current total is one hundred and thirty-four (134). We are completing work on draft legislation with Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA), who intend to drop the Senate companion bill before the end of the month.

One new cosponsor was added to H.R. 1626 (Due Process), bringing our current total to three (3), and no new cosponsors were added to the Senate companion bill S. 840. Our current total is one (1).

Six new cosponsors were added to H.R. 664 (Government Pension Offset), bringing our current total to two hundred and twenty-four (224). We now have more than a majority of the House of Representatives.

No new cosponsors were added to S. 611 (Government Pension Offset). Our current total is eighteen (18).

Nine new cosponsors were added to H.R. 848 (Windfall Elimination Provision), bringing our current total to eighty-one (81).

IV. OTHER LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY:

On Monday, 14 May, the FOP joined Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) at a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol to support the reintroduction of H.R. 1841, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act".  The legislation will end the disparity in the pay and retirement benefits afforded to Federal Police Officers and others denied "law enforcement officer" or "6(c)" status under  the Federal Employees Retirement System and Civil Service Retirement System of Title 5, U.S. Code. (See Press Release at No. V).

S. 166, the "James Guelff and Chris McCurly Body Armor Act," passed the Senate by UC. The bill now goes to the House Judiciary Committee.

H.R. 802, the "Public Safety Medal of Valor Act" passed the Senate by UC and now goes to the President for his signature.

H.R. 1727, the "Fallen Hero Survivor Benefits Fairness Act" passed the House by a unanimous 419-0 vote. The measure would extend favorable tax treatment of annuities to survivors of public safety officers killed in the line of duty on or before Dec. 31, 1996.

V. THE F.O.P. JOINS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION PROVIDING EQUAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR FEDERAL POLICE OFFICERS

Today the Fraternal Order of Police joined Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA), Members of Congress, and law enforcement officers from across the nation at an event supporting the reintroduction of legislation guaranteeing equal retirement benefits to America's Federal police officers. The legislation is similar to H.R. 1228, introduced by Rep. Filner in the 106th Congress.

National President of the Fraternal Order of Police Gilbert G. Gallegos called the rally an important step in drawing congressional attention to the disparity in law enforcement officer retirement benefits within the Federal government.

"Like their State and local counterparts, the brave men and women of Federal law enforcement place their lives on the line everyday to serve and protect the citizens and institutions which are the foundations of our democracy,"  Gallegos said. "It is time for Congress to recognize the difficult work that these officers are asked to perform by extending to them the law enforcement  officer status to which they are entitled."

Under current law, all criminal investigators and a small number of uniformed police officers receive the enhanced retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). This enhanced retirement system reflects the unique nature of the work performed by public safety personnel.

"Congressman Filner's legislation recognizes the increased hazards and dangers associated with modern day police work, and the rising threat to Federal employees and facilities," Gallegos said. "It affords Congress the opportunity to do what is right, and what is needed, to ensure that the Federal government is protected by the most highly trained, qualified, and professional cadre of law enforcement officers available."

The Fraternal Order of Police is the nation"s largest law enforcement labor organization, with over 293,000 members.

Fraternal Order of Police  (O) (202) 547-8189
National Legislative Office (F) (202) 547-8190
309 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20002
FOP National Legislative Office

Fraternal Order of Police Grand Lodge

 

 

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