Senator Biden Introduces Congressional Badge of Bravery Act for Federal Law Enforcement

Badge Honors Exceptional Acts of Bravery in the Line of Duty

January 29, 2008 -- Washington, DC – Today Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) introduced the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act (S.2565). This bipartisan legislation establishes an award that honors federal law enforcement officers who perform exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty.

“These courageous officers fight the good fight each and every day, often putting their lives on the line,” said Sen. Biden, referring to the fact that 2007 was one of the deadliest years yet for law enforcement officers. “Federal officers support state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide, and we should be recognizing those that go above and beyond to keep our communities safe.”

Currently, there is no Congressional award for federal law enforcement officers who are injured in the line of duty. According to the Department of Justice, violent suspects injure approximately 150 federal law enforcement officers per year. The Badge of Bravery Act would honor federal law enforcement officers who have performed an exceptional act of bravery while in the line of duty and are injured or risked serious physical injury or death as a result. A seven member board that receives nominations from agency heads would select honorees annually, and each honoree would receive a badge presented to them by the Attorney General or the member of Congress for the honoree’s congressional district.

“The President awards the Purple Heart for military personnel wounded or killed during armed service, and most state and local police departments have commendations or medals recognizing officers injured in the line of duty,” said Sen. Biden. “It’s about time we have a Congressional award to honor our federal officers.”

This bi-partisan bill is co-sponsored by Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and John Sununu (R-NH). In addition, the Badge of Bravery Act is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, a professional association representing over 25,000 federal agents, along with other law enforcement groups.

Source: Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr.