Fitzpatrick Introduces SHIELD Act

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8th) today introduced H.R. 2886, the SHIELD Act.

According to a release, the legislation would ensure compensation for service members and federal law enforcement personnel in the case of an interruption of Congressionally-appropriated funds, during periods of a government shutdown or in the event of reaching the debt ceiling.

Here is Fitzpatrick’s statement:

“In the wake of the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks we are all reminded of the sacrifices our service men and women and federal law enforcement officers make,” said Fitzpatrick.  “In our most difficult hours, we rely on members of our federal law enforcement community and our armed services for the protection of our liberty and 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.  Today, I introduced the SHIELD Act, which is an essential piece of legislation that pledges to protect those who protect us, even in times of financial uncertainty.”       

 “The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association strongly supports this critical public safety legislation. The SHIELD Act of 2011 properly prioritizes the role of federal law enforcement in sustaining protection for the American citizenry in the event there is a government shutdown," said FLEOA President Jon Adler.  "I commend Congressman Fitzpatrick for recognizing that federal law enforcement officers are essential to keeping the American public and its institutions safe during any fiscal crisis."