Dear Representatives Landsman and Pfluger,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 7876, the “Secret Service-Local Law Enforcement Partnership Act.”
Cooperation between the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and local law enforcement is a vital part of ensuring the safety and well-being of the President, the Vice President, and others who require protection details. This includes providing extra security at rallies, ensuring executives can travel safely, and many other key protocols required for those with Secret Service protection. What is often left unaddressed, however, is the cost that many law enforcement agencies incur while cooperating with the Secret Service, which can place an undue financial burden on agencies throughout the country.
This legislation would create an Extraordinary Protection Reimbursement Program, which would authorize more than $61 million for law enforcement agencies that collaborate with the USSS. This money would be used towards purchasing equipment, hiring personnel, and other necessary items to ensure that law enforcement agencies have the tools needed to assist the USSS. Funding would be authorized through the remainder of President Trump’s term, with future authorizations to be determined by the needs of the next President.
On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you both for your leadership on this legislation. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President