WASHINGTON (Wednesday, May 14, 2014) -- Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) TODAY pressed for unanimous Senate agreement to allow a vote on his Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, a federal grant program that helps state and local law enforcement agencies buy lifesaving vests for their officers. The bill has been cleared for a vote on the Democratic side of the aisle but again was blocked today by a Republican senator. It was the second time in two weeks that Leahy spotlighted blockage of the bill by pressing for a Senate vote. Leahy TODAY, in the midst of the annual National Police Week, held a Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on the program. Visiting police officers from across the nation were in the audience. Officer Ann Carrizales, whose life was saved by a bulletproof vest, and President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Yousry A. Zakhary testified, urging the Senate to continue the lifesaving program. Leahy coauthored the original law establishing the matching grant program, which since 1999 has made possible the purchase of nearly 4000 vests in Vermont, and nearly one million across the country. VIDEO and AUDIO includes excerpts of todays hearing and Leahy seeking unanimous consent for the Senate to pass the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program TODAY on the Senate Floor.
Posted on: Wed, 14 May 2014 22:14:59 +0000
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