Collins Bill Becomes Law

A bill authored by 9th District U.S. Representative Doug Collins goes into law after President Barack Obama signed it Wednesday.

Collins was the author of House Resolution 2137, the Federal Law Enforcement Self Defense and Protection Act.

This bill authorizes a federal law enforcement officer to carry a government-issued firearm during a covered furlough, such as a planned event during which an agency involuntarily furloughs employees due to downsizing, reduced funding, lack of work, or budget constraints including a lapse in appropriations.

Collins said that during the 2013 lapse in federal appropriations funding, around 1,800 officers tasked with protecting public safety were forced to needlessly hand over their federally issued weapons because of an inconsistent interpretation of policy.

He said this bill will clarify the law to ensure that this does not happen again.

Saying that crime does not stop simply because officers are off duty, Collins added that he is proud to see this legislation signed in to law.

Before getting the President’s signature, it previously passed the House by a voice vote and then was passed by Unanimous consent in the Senate.

Collins said he is grateful to Chairman Bob Goodlatte for his leadership in moving this legislation successfully through the House Judiciary Committee.

House Resolution 2137 is Congressman Collins’ second piece of legislation to be signed into law by the President this year.