Pelosi: COPS Bill Honors Our Police Officers on This Peace Officers Memorial Day

Press Release

Pelosi: COPS Bill Honors Our Police Officers on This Peace Officers Memorial Day

Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after attending the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service this afternoon in honor of law enforcement officials who were killed in the line of duty in 2006. Later this afternoon, the House will vote on H.R. 1700, the COPS Improvements Act of 2007:

"Today, we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of the brave men and women who heroically gave their lives in the line of duty to protect ours. With great respect and much appreciation, we remember the fallen and recognize the noble service of those who protect America's communities.

"I especially salute the United States Capitol Police, who, with bravery and selflessness, protect all who work and visit the Capitol. They deserve our gratitude and respect every day.

"On this Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor the commitment and courage of our officers with the passage of the COPS Improvement Act. With this crucial legislation, we commit to fulfill our first responsibility to the American people - to protect and defend them.

"This bill will reinvigorate a highly successful initiative that has suffered from years of cuts during the Republican-led Congress. It provides funding to put 50,000 additional police officers on the beat and authorizes $350 million for technology grants to help equip our law enforcement officers.

"We will provide the tools necessary for those who answer the call of duty to keep us safe. We owe these men and women - and the Americans they safeguard - nothing less."

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