Congressman Derek Tran Votes in Support of Law Enforcement, Recognizes National Police Week

Washington, DC – Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45) released the following statement regarding his votes on several law enforcement bills this week:

“This week, during National Police Week, I reaffirmed my steadfast commitment to the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement and keep our communities safe. I had the chance to meet with police and sheriffs' departments that serve Orange and Los Angeles Counties and gain insight into how we can best work together to ensure we provide our officers with the tools, training, and support they need to keep our communities, and themselves, safe.

That is why I was proud to vote YES on the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act (H.R. 2240), a commonsense, bipartisan bill that will improve the way threats to officers are reported so we can shape smarter policies that truly support those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.

After weighing the facts and meeting with law enforcement leaders, I also voted NO on the LEOSA Reform Act (H.R. 2243), and the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act (H.R. 2255), because these bills will not make our communities safer and could put the lives of more innocent people and law enforcement officers at risk.

The LEOSA Reform Act would preempt current state and local laws (including in California) and unnecessarily allow more individuals to carry concealed firearms in public places like playgrounds, school zones, and parks with little or no coordination with local authorities. Under this law, grenade launchers, assault weapons, sniper rifles, and various other firearms could potentially become available for unregulated civilian use without a background check. 

This policy would create massive confusion and undermine the trust built between law enforcement and communities. And, while I respect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms in accordance with state and local laws, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act has no clear benefit to public safety and widens loopholes that pose major risks to our communities. 

As we move towards a common goal to improve public safety, lawmakers should focus on improvements to recruitment and retention among law enforcement agencies, a top priority of groups like the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that our officers receive the fair pay and robust benefits they are entitled to, preserve their right to collectively bargain, as well as the necessary measures to keep them safe on the job. 

As a proud member of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus, I’ll continue to work with law enforcement leaders and officers, as well as my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that Congress passes effective policy that actually strengthens law enforcement and protects communities.” 

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