Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 2243 - LEOSA Reform Act

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(House Rules)
(Rep. Bacon, R-NE, and 18 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly supports passage of H.R. 2243, which would update certain provisions of the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004. Specifically, the bill would allow qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition in certain public areas, such as school zones, national parks, some Federal facilities, private property, and property owned by State and local governments open to the public or used for transportation purposes.

Americans trust law enforcement officers to keep them safe every day. These officers are trained and experienced in handling and using firearms in high-pressure situations. Current Federal law prohibits even these trained law enforcement officers from carrying concealed firearms in certain areas. This is true even if those areas, such as school zones, are areas in which we most need more individuals who are trained, trustworthy, and able to defend the most vulnerable members of our communities in moments of crisis. This bill would update these laws to allow law enforcement officers to continue to keep people safe in these areas.

If H.R. 2243 were presented to the President in its current form, his advisors would recommend that he sign it into law.