Reichert Passes Two Bipartisan Amendments Fighting for First Responders, Domestic Violence Funding
Representative Dave Reichert (WA-08) successfully fought for two amendments today as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. This legislation passed the House 281-142.
Reichert teamed up with Representative Bob Etheridge (D-NC) on the Etheridge-Reichert Amendment to bolster funding for the Department of Justice (DoJ) to supplement the Public Safety Officers Benefit Program. Reichert and Representative Chris Murphy (D-CT) offered the Reichert-Murphy Amendment to provide $5 million to fully fund the Court Training and Improvements Program, authorized early last year as a part of the Violence Against Women Act.
"From my own personal life experience and my experience as a law enforcement officer, I know the far-reaching effects of this legislation and these important amendments," said Reichert. "Domestic violence is a problem that must be addressed and one of the key ways to reduce its impact is to ensure that our justice system has the tools to deal with cases involving not only domestic violence, but also dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
"I didn't have the opportunity to vote for the original Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefits Act. At the time this legislation was moving through the House and signed into law, I was the Sheriff of King County, Washington. I have seen the tears of these families affected by the federal government's inaction and complacency - and more tears are flowing because of their struggle with the government bureaucracy. Our nation's first responders and their families deserve to know that we truly stand behind them. I will continue to fight for implementation of the Hometown Heroes legislation and proper execution of the Public Safety Officers Benefit Program. This legislation is important legislation affecting the lives of victims of crime, law enforcement and their families."
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