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For Immediate Release President Bush Signs Historic New law will arm nearly 1.5 million off duty and retired officers Washington DC - This morning the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) joined with other national law enforcement leaders at the White House to witness President Bush signing the historic 'National Concealed Carry for Cops' into law. Today's signature by President Bush closes a chapter in a 12 year long effort by the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) and Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA) to save cops' lives and protect our communities. First proposed by LEAA and Congressman Cunningham in 1992, this law will allow qualified off duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in all 50 states. LEAA Executive Director and retired New York police officer James J. Fotis, noted the importance of the signing. "Today, President Bush took a historic step in advancing homeland security and public safety by signing the National Concealed Carry for Cops law." Privately, when conferring with the President after the signing, LEAA and the President agreed that lives will be saved by this new law. The law, first drafted in 1992 by Congressman Cunningham and LEAA has become the number one legislative priority of America's rank and file police officers and is also backed by nearly every national organization representing rank and file law enforcement officers. Fotis, along with other leaders from America's law enforcement community and key members of Congress were at the President's side as he signed this unprecedented, life saving legislation. Many members of the pro-Second Amendment community properly recognize this new law as the single biggest legislative gain in the effort to expand "Right-to-Carry." Said Fotis, "Under this new law, off duty and retired officers will be carrying their firearms, in effect, as 'civilians;' they won't be out patrolling and making arrests. These folks will use their firearms to defend themselves and others from violent attacks -- exactly the same way that armed civilians employ their concealed guns in the nearly 40 states that allow honest, law-abiding civilians to carry concealed." Fotis went on to make clear, "Just as we have seen time and time again with civilians who safely and responsibly carry concealed guns because of Right-to-Carry, I believe the brave men and women of law enforcement that can now carry the tools of their trade will help make America more secure." Fotis added, "America's men and women in blue have always known that President Bush stands shoulder to shoulder with them in the fight for public safety and homeland security. By signing this law, the President is making an unprecedented effort to support our nation's protectors after their shift or tour of duty has ended." LEAA points out for the record, that while President George Bush has unequivocally demonstrated his support of Law Enforcement, including his action today on H.R. 218, just three months ago, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) made a special effort to leave the campaign trail, returning to the Senate to vote against this bill. On March 2, 2204, Senator Kerry, against the wishes of the law enforcement community, voted to kill the Senate version of H.R. 218 by voting for 'poison pill' amendments.
With more than 75,000 Members and supporters, Law Enforcement Alliance of America is the nation’s largest coalition of law enforcement, crime victims, and concerned citizens dedicated to making America safer. ##END## |
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