WASHINGTON – Today Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley joined a bipartisan coalition of senators, led by John Cornyn (R-Texas), in introducing the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act, legislation that will prioritize the U.S. Department of Justice COPS grant applications of law enforcement agencies that use that funding to hire veterans. This legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Major County Sheriffs’ Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“Our military veterans bravely volunteered to protect and serve our nation on the battlefield, so it is important to welcome those who want to continue their service at home in our communities as law enforcement officers. This bill encourages state and local law enforcement agencies that receive federal grants to hire officers to prioritize veterans – many of whom already have some training and experience. Our military heroes, our communities and our country all benefit from this bipartisan effort,” Grassley said.
“The experience and sacrifice of our military service members has equipped them with valuable skills that can keep our community safe. Encouraging state and local governments to hire veterans will both bolster the strength of our law enforcement, and help our heroes transition from military service into civilian life,” Cornyn said.
“It’s no surprise that following years of defending our nation in uniform, many veterans seek to continue their service by working as law enforcement officers in their local communities. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to support our brave veterans and strengthen local law enforcement by ensuring they are represented by the very best men and women our nation has to offer,” Tillis said.
“Our young men and women in uniform gain invaluable skills that they should be able to use to secure a good job when they return home. By encouraging local and state governments to hire veterans as law enforcement officers, we can help veterans get the jobs they deserve and help make our communities safer, too,” Klobuchar said.
“Our men and women in uniform have training and experience that makes them ideal candidates for careers in law enforcement. By incentivizing state and local governments to hire veterans as law enforcement, this bipartisan legislation is a win-win. It will help ease veterans’ transition from military service to civilian life while using their valuable skills to keep our communities safe,” Blumenthal said.
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