National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008--Continued

Floor Speech

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008--Continued -- (Senate - September 26, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak to an amendment that would increase the maximum Federal age limit at which a member of the military, who has been honorably discharged, may become a Federal law enforcement officer.

Military service members make extraordinary sacrifices on our Nation's behalf. They are the defenders of our freedoms, our liberties, and our security. We owe each of them a great debt, and any appropriate compensation we can offer is a step toward repaying that national obligation.

Many of our brave soldiers joined the world's finest military when they were 18 years of age. Large numbers of them become career soldiers, serving 20 years or more before retiring.

However, current U.S. law states that applicants to Federal law enforcement positions must be between 23 and 37 years old. A service member who joins the military at the age of 18 and serves honorably for 20 years falls outside this federally mandated age range. I am sure my Senate colleagues would agree that members of the military, with their training and experience, can be highly suited for positions in Federal law enforcement, and if otherwise qualified should not be prohibited from further serving their country by an arbitrary, maximum age limit.

My amendment would increase the maximum age for Federal law enforcement recruitment to 47 years old for military personnel who receive an honorable discharge. This means that many more honorably discharged military members will be able to seek employment with Federal law enforcement agencies. This amendment is an important tool in both recruiting and retaining fine service members. It is my hope that more would be willing to remain in the military, knowing that after they complete 20 years in uniform, they will still have the opportunity to serve our country as Federal law enforcement officers.

I have heard from several service members who are considering an early departure from the military so that they can become Federal law enforcement officers. It should be remembered that many of these soldiers already have the necessary security clearances for these positions. Furthermore, I believe Federal law enforcement training costs would be largely reduced because of the military training of these individuals. The American people need qualified, competent law enforcement officers, and what greater pool from which to draw than experienced and professional military retirees? I am anxious to see this arbitrary retirement limit changed for military personnel and I encourage my colleagues to support this important amendment.

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