Contact: Eunice Deeds of the Law Enforcement Alliance of America
703-847-2677
web: http://www.LEAA.org
WASHINGTON, July 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Legislation that would allow qualified off duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry their firearms concealed nation-wide reached a milestone recently, when it gathered the 60 Senate cosponsors needed to block any potential Senate filibuster. S. 253, like the House version, H.R. 218, has a strong majority of bi-partisan cosponsors. The bill was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in March, where it was backed by Chairman Hatch and ranking Member Leahy.
Introduced by Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, S. 253 is the companion to H.R. 218 (Cunningham-R-Calif.), which has been the number one legislative priority of rank and file law enforcement organizations for several years. Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) Executive Director and retired police officer James Fotis, who with Congressman Cunningham helped draft the original cop carry bill over a decade ago, hailed the Senate achievement as a milestone. “This legislation is the top priority for America’s rank and file law enforcement officers, now it has the overwhelming support of Senators and Members of Congress -- it deserves an up or down vote on the floor of both Chambers”.
Said Fotis, “America trains and trusts its law enforcement officers to keep this country safe, now its time for Congress to give them the tools to do that -- this is Homeland Security that won’t break the bank and it deserves a vote.”
To schedule an interview with Mr. Fotis, call LEAA at 703-847-2677.
With over 75,000 members and supporters nation-wide, the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) is the nation’s largest coalition of law enforcement professionals, crime victims, and concerned citizens dedicated to making America safer. Visit our web site at http://www.LEAA.org