Rep. Gowdy's Bill, Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of 2012, Becomes Law

Press Release

Today Rep. Trey Gowdy (SC-4) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law H.R. 2076, the Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of 2012. This law allows state and local law enforcement officials involved in the investigation of mass killings and other violent acts to request assistance from the law enforcement agencies within the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. The Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act clarifies the support and places these acts of aid within the scope of Federal employment.

Rep. Gowdy said, "As we have seen all too recently, federal law enforcement authorities can play an important role in the investigation of heinous criminal acts. Tragically, our country has seen instances where this is helpful in places as disparate as movie theaters, college campuses, and even elementary schools."

"To better enable federal assistance, I introduced theInvestigative Assistance Act, and this bill has been signed into law. The bill gives statutory coverage to the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation of mass killings or other violent crimes, when requested by state and local law enforcement. This bill does not enlarge the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement but does enable aid to be rendered upon request by state and local law enforcement officials."

"As a former state and federal prosecutor, I have seen firsthand state, local and federal agents working together. It is my hope the involvement of federal agencies and their contribution of specialized skills, access and knowledge will be instrumental in ensuring justice is quickly served."

The Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of2012 is Rep. Gowdy's third bill of the 112th Congress to be signed into law. Only 12 out of 435 members had three or more bills become law. From the 112th Congress, Rep. Gowdy introduced seven bills. H.R. 2076 -- "Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of 2012", H.R. 3237 -- "SOAR Technical Corrections Act", and H.R. 6620 -- "Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012" all became law in Rep. Gowdy's first term. The language from H.R. 1894 -- "Military Commissions Guilty Plea Adjustment Act" was included in the National Defense Authorization Act. NDAA became law on December 31, 2011.

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