Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2137, the Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act, which would ensure federal law enforcement officers maintain the ability to carry their government-issued firearms and credentials during periods of a government shutdown or furlough.

The legislation was initiated by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) following the last government shut down, when some agencies were uncertain about the carry authorities for federal law enforcement officers during this situation. This bill upholds a federal law enforcement officer’s authority to retain his or her firearm carry capability regardless of the government’s status to ensure they may protect and defend themselves if necessary.

"We appreciate the House passing this bill and thank Representative Doug Collins for his leadership on this issue," said FLEOA National President Nathan Catura. “We now look forward to the Senate undertaking this legislation and swiftly passing it so that the President may sign it into law before the end of National Police Week."

Catura went on to add, "It is imperative that our federal law enforcement officers have a clear understanding of their authority, and that no bureaucratic obstruction prevent them from protecting themselves and their communities." 

About FLEOA

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association ( www.fleoa.org ) is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan professional association that exclusively represents over 26,000 active and retired federal law enforcement officers from over 65 agencies.