Moolenaar Introduces Bipartisan Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Security Act of 2019

Statement

On May 15, Congressman John Moolenaar and Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the bipartisan Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Security Act of 2019.

The legislation allows current federal law enforcement officers in good standing or former federal law enforcement officers that have honorably separated from the agency the opportunity to purchase their service pistol or revolver once the agency retires the firearm model from service.

Current regulations prohibit federal law enforcement officers from purchasing the service firearm they have trained with and maintained for years. Officers would be required to go through the same background check and meet the same legal requirements as any citizen wishing to purchase a firearm.

Congressman Moolenaar made the following statement on his legislation:

"This legislation is a common-sense solution that allows the federal law enforcement officers to purchase and keep the firearm they have been training with and maintaining for years. I am proud to have the support of my Democratic colleague Henry Cuellar from Texas, as well as the support of the National Border Patrol Council, which represents the men and women who work hard to keep our country safe."

Congressman Cuellar said:

"Law enforcement officers in good standing or federal law enforcement officers that have honorably separated from the Border Patrol should be able to buy the service pistol that they used to serve and protect our communities," said Congressman Cuellar. "This bipartisan legislation gives our officers the opportunity to purchase the gun they have been working with for years, while meeting the same legal requirements as any citizen wishing to purchase a similar pistol. I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Moolenaar, and National Border Patrol Council, as we support the officers who protect our borders."

In a letter of support for the legislation, National Border Patrol Council Legislative Chair Alberto Trevino said:

"Officers would be rewarded for their faithful service by having the option to purchase their pistol or revolver. Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to protect the United States and its constituents, typically depending on the same firearm for the duration of their service. This aspect of their uniform is particularly personal. The Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Security Act of 2019 would give officers a deeper connection to the communities they serve, even after they retire."

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