June 14th, 2004

The Honorable Howard Coble
Chairman
House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Sub-Committee:

The Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) has been fighting to pass legislation like H.R. 218 ever since I worked with Congressman Cunningham to draft the original "cop carry" bill back during the 102nd Congress. For more than a decade we have continued in our unwavering support for the common sense idea that America should make use of trained and experienced law enforcement officers by giving them the tools they need to protect themselves and the public, 24 hours a day in all 50 states.

Today, we are joined in our support for H.R. 218 by nearly every national organization representing rank and file law enforcement officers and a bi-partisan coalition of 295 House cosponsors and 69 Senate cosponsors. The Senate version was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 18-1 vote. This legislation is well known to the officers who patrol our neighborhoods and it is by far the single most important legislative priority of rank and file law enforcement officers.

H.R. 218 would extend, to qualified and experienced off duty and retired law enforcement officers, the ability to carry their firearms, concealed in all 50 states. H.R. 218 would provide a tremendous boost to not just the personal safety of America's men and women in blue, but to homeland security as well, all at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

Not a day goes by when our office does not field calls from law enforcement officers who are dumbfounded why such a common sense proposal, with such wide bipartisan support is taking so long to become law. I am confident that each of your offices has heard from law enforcement officers in your districts who have urged you to make H.R. 218 law.

On behalf of the more than 75,000 Members and supporters of the Law Enforcement Alliance of America, I respectfully urge this committee to promptly report H.R. 218, as introduced. If you have any questions about LEAA's position on this legislation, please contact our Legislative Director, Kevin H. Watson at (703) 847-2677.

Sincerely,

James. J. Fotis

Executive Director

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