Kuhl Introduces Legislation to Protect Law Enforcement Officers

Press Release

Kuhl Introduces Legislation to Protect Law Enforcement Officers

U.S. Representative John R. "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. (R-Hammondsport) today sponsored legislation to ensure that state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers receive funding for bulletproof vests and body armor. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2008 will reauthorize the highly successful Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program for an additional three years.

"Our law enforcement officers depend on bulletproof vests and body armor for protection so they can risk their lives every day protecting our communities," said Rep. Kuhl. "Bulletproof vests and body armor have saved thousands of law enforcement officers and because of the reauthorization of this program, thousands more will be saved."

In Fiscal Year 2007 alone, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program provided $28.6 million to state and local law enforcement agencies across America. This funding provided 50 percent matching grants for the purchase of approximately 180,173 new bulletproof vests. In the 29th District alone, funding from these grants has purchased 155 new bulletproof vests. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program was created in 1999 to provide state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers with needed protection by aiding the purchase of protective equipment.

This week (May 11-17, 2008) is National Police Week and as such, this legislation will be introduced on the floor to honor our men and women in uniform.

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