Rep. Foster Stands Up for Law Enforcement Officers

Press Release

Today, Rep. Bill Foster continued his support of law enforcement officers by joining the enormous bipartisan majority that voted in favor of H.R. 6045, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2008.

"In order to keep our streets and communities safe, we need to make sure we are properly equipping our law enforcement officers," Rep. Foster said. "I am proud to join this bipartisan majority in voting for a common-sense solution that will save lives."

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2008 would reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership through Fiscal Year 2012, extending the life of the grant program by three years. Since 1999, the year it began operating, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership has invested more than $234 million in helping more than 1.5 million law enforcement officers purchase bulletproof vests. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership is authorized at $50 million per year and funds up to 50 percent of the cost of bulletproof vests purchased or replaced by law enforcement agencies.

"With all the dangers associated with police work, I am pleased that Congressman Foster along with his colleagues have embraced the need to protect those who protect our citizens," Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez said. "The Kane County Sheriffs' Department is in the process of purchasing vests through this program, and I hope that this program will allow the other agencies, not only around Kane County but throughout the U.S., to be able help provide their officers the protection they need in order to carry out their duties."

"This bill supports our law enforcement officers so they can continue to focus on their invaluable service of keeping us safe," Rep. Foster said. "Law enforcement officers work day and night to protect and serve the 14th District. If they are willing to put their lives on the line for us, we must ensure that they are protected."

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