Dear Representatives Rutherford and Golden,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 1773, the “Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act.”
This is an important public safety issue. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), more than 6,000 firearms were stolen from Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) in 2021 alone.
These stolen firearms often resurface in connection with other crimes and present a real danger to the public. Your legislation would make these thefts a Federal offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison. This is a significant reinforcement of Federal law which will help deter these crimes and ensure those convicted of these crimes face a long prison sentence.
On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your leadership on this issue. If I can be of any help or provide additional information in support of this legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President