Legislative Update |
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On September 8, 2011, the Senate Judiciary Committee
favorably reported The National Blue Alert Act of 2011, (S. 657)
out of committee to be placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar
(Calendar No. 160). During the committee mark-up, Senator Patrick
Leahy (D-VT) offered an amendment on behalf of the Sponsors: Senators
Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and Lindsay Graham (R-SC). This amendment
is a favorable improvement for rank-and-file as it improves the
bill in several ways. First, it defines the definition of a law enforcement
officer to be consistent with that used in the Public Safety Officers’
Death Benefits Act. Secondly, the amendment clarifies that the Blue
Alert Coordinator should provide assistance to States and local
governments that are currently using Blue Alert plans. Next, and
perhaps the most prominent change affecting NAPO is the addition
of a representative from a law enforcement organization representing
rank-and-file officers to the advisory group. Finally, the
role of the coordinator is more clearly defined. Even though the National Blue Alert reported
out of committee with bipartisan support of fourteen votes, four
Republican Senators voted against passage. This includes Senators
Tom Coburn, (R-OK), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Michael Lee (R-UT) and Jeff
Sessions (R-AL). Opposition by some of the committee members foreshadows
future hurdles S.657 faces as a standalone bill on the Senate floor.
Future resistance to the National Blue Alert is partially caused
by the cost of the bill ($10 million) and partially due to a fundamental
belief that this program is not the responsibility of the federal
government, but a state and local duty. NAPO is working to push the House companion
bill, H.R. 365, through the House Judiciary Committee. Currently,
H.R. 365 enjoys the support of 38 cosponsors.
NAPO is a strong and active supporter of the Blue Alert System.
By creating a nationwide system that responds to criminal action
against law enforcement officers we will ensure the safety of the
officers and the public. Please visit NAPO’s website for our
public letter of support of this program.
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