Senate Passes Pascrell-Authored Bulletproof Vests Grant Legislation

Pascrell bill supporting law enforcement protection program heads to President’s desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, celebrated the approval on the Senate floor of H.R. 2379 on the Senate floor. Sponsored by Reps. Pascrell and Peter King (R-NY-02), the legislation permanently authorizes the lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, a federal program that helps state and local law enforcement agencies purchase bulletproof vests for officers working in the field. H.R. 2379 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 400 – 9 earlier this week. The Senate version of the bill is sponsored by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

“We got terrific news that the Senate has swiftly passed of our bulletproof vest legislation,” said Rep. Pascrell. “The Bulletproof Vest Grant Partnership program saves lives of police officers and protects our communities. And for this program to clear both chambers of Congress during National Police Week is appropriate and icing on the cake. I hope our bill is signed into law quickly so our brave law enforcement members can access these lifesaving resources.”

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