National Concealed Carry for Cops' Sails Through Congress;
Senate Vote Sends LEAA's H.R. 218 to the President

7/8/2004 6:16:00 AM

To: National Desk

Contact: Ted Deeds of LEAA, 703-847-2677

WASHINGTON, July 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) is celebrating the Senate's passage of 'National Concealed Carry for Cops.' The Senate voted by unanimous consent late Wednesday evening to pass the life-saving measure, H.R. 218.

This 'National Concealed Carry for Cops' legislation was co-written by LEAA and Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Calif.) and introduced back in 1992. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 218 on June 23. The bill now goes to President Bush, who has indicated his strong support for the legislation, which allows qualified off duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry their firearms in all fifty states.

LEAA Executive Director and retired police officer James J. Fotis, expressed his organization's satisfaction after a long and hard fight to bring about this life-saving legislation. "Today is a victory for all of America's men and women in blue -- and the public they serve and protect! LEAA has worked tirelessly for more than a decade to ensure that America's law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect themselves, their families and our communities."

Fotis noted that the legislation could affect over a million qualified off duty and retired law enforcement officers. "When President Bush signs this bill, he'll be giving nearly 1.5 million current and retired officers the tools they need to protect themselves, their families and our communities, 24/7, at no cost to the taxpayer," said Fotis.

The 'National Concealed Carry for Cops' legislation has been introduced in every session of Congress since 1992, by staunch law enforcement ally, California Republican Randy "Duke" Cunningham. Over the years, LEAA has been pleased to welcome nearly every other national organization representing rank and file law enforcement officers as they joined in supporting LEAA's H.R. 218. President Bush indicated his support for the legislation while meeting with LEAA leaders during the 2000 Presidential campaign and the White House recently published a Statement of Administration Position (SAP) in support of the bill.

                For information about H.R. 218 or its history please go to: http://www.leaa.org/218

With over 75,000 Members and Supporters nationwide, the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) is the nation's  largest coalition of law enforcement professionals, crime victims, and concerned citizens dedicated to making America safer.

LOAD-DATE: June 17, 2004