Kuhl Votes To Protect Law Enforcement Officers

Press Release

U.S. Representative John R. "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. (R-Hammondsport) today voted 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 (H.R. 6045), which Congressman Kuhl cosponsored, will reauthorize the highly successful Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program through fiscal year 2012.

"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.

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) grant program is administered by the Department of Justice and provides resources to state and local law enforcement. Over 11,900 jurisdictions have participated in the BVP Program since 1999, with $173 million in federal funds committed to support the purchase of an estimated 450,000 vests.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source