Subject: Government, Homeland Security: Dear Colleague: In The Event of a Shutdown: Secure Compensation for Federal Law Enforcement

In The Event of a Shutdown: Secure Compensation for Federal Law Enforcement

Cosponsors: Keating, Bishop and Barletta

The SHIELD Act will ensure compensation for our Armed Service members and critical federal law enforcement personnel int he case of an interruption of Congressionally- appropriated funds, during periods of a government shutdown or in the event of reaching the debt ceiling.

In the event of a government shutdown many federal officers will be furloughed and forced to stay home, creating a perilous lapse in law enforcement and homeland security protection. If we were to experience another government shutdown, H.R. 1122 would ensure priority payment of the pay and allowances of members of the Armed Forces and critical law enforcement officers employed by federal agencies. Crime will not pause during a federal shutdown.This bill eliminates the risk of agencies placing federal officers on furlough and ensures we maintain a law enforcement presence.

 Law enforcement deemed critical by the legislation is defined as:

1. Those who have statutory authority to make arrests or apprehensions;

2. Who are authorized by the agency of the employee to carry firearms; and

3. Whose duties include performing emergency work involving the safety of human life or the protection of property

In our most difficult hours, we rely on members of our federal law enforcement community and our Armed Services for the protection of our freedom. No service member or critical law enforcement officer protecting the United States at home or abroad should have to worry about their paycheck in the event of a government shutdown.The SHIELD Act pledges to protect those who protect us, even in times of fiscal uncertainty.

Jon Adler, the President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), had this to say regarding the legislation: