Reichert Statement on Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act Vote

Statement

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement following the vote:

"As the former Sheriff of King County and law enforcement officer for 33 years, I understand the importance of keeping guns out of the hands of those who seek to do harm. I voted to maintain Second Amendment rights and make critical improvements to our national background check system," Rep. Reichert said. "Now, after passing a federal background check and meeting a state's legal requirements for possessing a firearm, an individual will be able to carry their firearm in any state. This bill also makes much needed improvements to the FBI's background check system through increased accountability with federal agencies, to ensure no individuals slip through the cracks."

Rep. Reichert has fought continuously throughout his career, from his time in law enforcement and now as a Member of Congress, to crack down on gun and gang-related violence, including supporting programs such as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring program. These programs are often targeted for elimination or funding cuts during the appropriations process.

Rep. Reichert has championed the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, a federal grant program to combat gang violence and gun-related crimes. In September, the House passed his amendment to increase funding for this program to $20 million for fiscal year 2018.

In addition, the Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced that PSN will be the centerpiece of their initiative to combat violent crime and gun violence.

To support the COPS Hiring Program, as co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, Rep. Reichert, along with his co-chair, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump outlining the importance of the program.

Rep. Reichert and Rep. Pascrell also sent a bipartisan letter to the Appropriations Committee this year encouraging them to include funding for the COPS Hiring Program. Over 180 other Members of Congress signed this letter as well in support of the program.

Most recently, in September 2017, Rep. Reichert secured funding for the COPS Hiring Program on the House floor from Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee (CJS) Chairman John Culberson (R-TX) for Fiscal Year 2018. Chairman Culberson committed to securing this funding. Prior to the Congressman's efforts, funding for the program had been completely eliminated.

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