Excelsior Springs Resident Testifies Before Graves' Committee

Press Release

Excelsior Springs Resident Testifies Before Graves' Committee

Excelsior Springs resident and Federal Protective Service officer David Wright testified before a congressional hearing led by U.S. Rep. Sam Graves last week.

"My mission has always been to represent the views of Missouri's Sixth District in Washington," said Graves. "This time though- all of Washington was listening to the Sixth District."

As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, Graves led a hearing - with subcommittee Chairwoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) - examining the Department of Homeland Security's proposal to reduce the number of United States Federal Protective Service (FPS) officers at Federal office buildings. The FPS is responsible for security at over 8,000 Federal buildings and properties across the nation.

Mr. Wright, President of the national Federal Protective Service union and an FPS officer stationed in Kansas City, stated "I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to testify before my Congressman. With so many Federal properties in the Kansas City region, we are fortunate to have Sam Graves serving in a leadership position on this important subcommittee. We just formed the FPS union last year, so I look forward to continue working with Sam and his colleagues on the committee to solve this critical homeland security issue."

"David Wright is a true expert when it comes to keeping our federal buildings safe. After listening to David's testimony, I am extremely skeptical of the Department of Homeland Security's proposal to reduce the number of FPS officers protecting our public buildings. It is imperative that we keep our public buildings safe for all who visit them," remarked Graves.

Congress is currently reviewing the budget requests from all departments and agencies.

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