Washington Watch: Legislative Update
For the Week of 23 January 2012

I. Legislative News and Activity
II. This Week in Congress
III. Update on FOP Top Legislative Priorities
IV. DAY ON THE HILL 2012!!!
V. Do Your Friends Get Grassroots?
VI. Reduced NFOP PAC Knives and Oakley Product Giveaway


I. LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY

DON'T FORGET TO BOOK ROOMS FOR DAY ON THE HILL!!! ONLY FOUR DAYS LEFT!!!

Executive Director Jim Pasco met with Craig Floyd, Chairman and CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and Mariah Hughes, Executive Director of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), to discuss continuing cooperation with the FOP.
Executive Director Pasco met with Jim Sullivan, Chief of Staff for Customs and Border Protection, to discuss border issues.
Executive Director Pasco met with Bruce Cohen, Chief Counsel to Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, on a wide range of issues pending in the Judiciary Committee.
Executive Director Pasco spoke with Nathanael P. Tamarin, Special Assistant to the President of the United States, regarding police layoffs.
Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson represented the FOP at the quarterly meeting of the Officer Safety and Wellness Working Group. Eric H. Holder, Jr., U.S. Attorney General, Denise O'Donnell, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and Bernard K. Melekian, Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services were all in attendance.

Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson and Legislative Liaison Grace Lynch met with staff in the office of Representative Howard H. Coble (R-NC) to discuss H.R 365, the "National Blue Alert Act."

Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson and Legislative Liaison Lynch met with Caroline Lynch, chief counsel for the majority staff of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.

Legislative Liaison Breanna Bock-Nielsen represented the FOP at a meeting with majority staff for the House Committee on the Judiciary to discuss funding issues.


II. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
Both the House and Senate were in session this week. Both chambers met in a joint session this week for the State of the Union address.

Action in the House
The House considered and passed H.R. 3801, the “Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act.” This bill, introduced by Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), would amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to aviation smuggling to extend its coverage of aircraft to: (1) any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, or fly in, the air; and (2) ultralight vehicles. The measure was passed by a vote of 408-0.

Action in House Committees
The Rules Committee’s Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process held a hearing on a bill to provide a biennial federal budget (H.R. 114).

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs held a hearing on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, with Richard Cordray, the Bureau’s first Director.

Action in the Senate
The Senate considered and accepted the nomination John M. Gerrard to be a Federal judge in Nebraska by a vote of 74-16.


III. UPDATE ON FOP TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out http://thomas.loc.gov.

A. Social Security Issues

(1) Support H.R. 1332/S. 2010, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
We added two (2) additional cosponsors to H.R. 1332, bringing our current total to one hundred and forty-one (141) cosponsors. Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including Delegates Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) or Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam), who have limited voting rights on the floor. We are also not including Representative David Wu (D-OR), who resigned his seat earlier this year, or Representative Dean Heller (R-NV), who was appointed to fill the Senate seat vacated by Senator John Ensign (R-NV).

Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Richard E. Neal (D-MA) were added this week as cosponsors.

The Senate companion measure, S. 2010, was introduced by Senator John F. Kerry, Jr. (D-MA), and Susan M. Collins (R-ME), just before the conclusion of the first session. This week, two (2) cosponsors were added to the bill: Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Tom Udall (D-NM).

In addition, National Legislative Office staff continue to work with staff in the office of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) on S. 113, the "Public Servant Retirement Protection Act," and with Representative Kevin P. Brady on the House companion measure, H.R. 2797. This legislation would not impact the Government Pension Offset (GPO) but would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and replace it with a more equitable, individualized calculation of Social Security benefits based on an individual’s entire work history.

Currently, there is one (1) cosponsor on the Senate bill and seven (7) cosponsors on the House bill.

(2) Opposing any legislation that would require the participation of public employees in Social Security
The FOP will continue to lobby against this scheme and oppose any legislation which would mandate participation in Social Security.

B. Support the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act"
This legislation, which would guarantee the right of public safety employees to bargain collectively with their employers over hours, wages and conditions of employment, has not yet been introduced.

C. Support H.R. 1789, the "State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability and Due Process Act"
We currently have six (6) cosponsors on H.R. 1789.

The Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced, but we are working with staff in the office of several Senators in an effort to develop a Senate companion bill.

D. Support the H.R. 327, the "Law Enforcement Officers’ Equity Act" and S. 985, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Retirement Equity Act”
We currently have a total of ten (10) cosponsors on H.R. 327.

We currently have a total of one (1) cosponsor on S. 985.

E. Support the H.R. 324, legislation giving Federal law enforcement officers employed by the U.S. Department of Defense statutory arrest authority
We currently have eleven (11) cosponsors on H.R. 324.


IV. FOP DAY ON THE HILL 2012!!! ONLY FOUR DAYS LEFT!!!
The FOP Day on The Hill 2012 will take place Monday, 27 February and run through Wednesday, 29 February. On Monday, 27 February 2012 the National Legislative Office and the National Legislative Committee will host a short briefing at the District of Columbia Lodge #1 located at 711 4th Street, NW, at a time to be announced.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 28-29 February, will be devoted to your meetings with Members from your home States and districts. These appointments should be made in advance!!! You can find the contact information for your Representative at http://www.house.gov/ and the contact information for your Senators at http://www.senate.gov/. Event participants should make every effort to have their Representative or Senator attend the meeting along with the appropriate staff person.

Schedule
Monday, 27 February, Time TBD – Legislative briefing at District of Columbia Lodge #1 located at 711 4th Street, NW
Tuesday, 28 February – Meetings with your Representative and Senators
Wednesday, 29 February – Meetings with your Representative and Senators

Accommodations
The National Legislative Office has arranged for accommodations at the DuPont Circle Hotel located at 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. The hotel is located just one block from the Metro, making it easy for you to move around Capitol Hill and the city.

The rate is $183 per night. To be guaranteed this special rate you MUST CALL and identify yourself as part of the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police. Make your reservations now by calling (202) 483-6000.

The cut-off date for reservations is 1 February 2012, so don't delay­--make that reservation today!!!

V. Do Your Friends Get Grassroots?
Make sure your friends and coworkers know about our weekly updates! The grassroots emails are the most accurate source of information about the FOP on the Hill­ covering information on meetings, bills, and events.

To add your name from our mailing list, please send an email to wlmailhtml:{62A77883-E367-4180-85D5-516E54F5AB68}mid://00000723/!x-usc:mailto:grassroots@fop.net with ADD and the State in which you live, in the Subject Line.


VI. REDUCED NFOP PAC Knives and Oakley Product Giveaway!
The National Fraternal Order of Police PAC has a number of 2011 commemorative NFOP PAC pocket knives remaining. We also have one pair of Oakley Antix sunglasses, one pair of Oakley Radar sunglasses and two Oakley goggles available. All these Oakley products are valued over $100.

We will be giving these Oakley products away, until they are gone, to every 30th person who orders a NFOP PAC pocket knife!

You can purchase a NFOP PAC pocket knife at the reduced price of only $15 for the chance to win one of these Oakley products! You will be alerted over the phone if you are one of the four lucky winners!

To order a NFOP PAC pocket knife, please complete the order form below and email to glynch@fop.net or call 202-547-8189.
Please return the form and contribution to:

National Fraternal Order of Police PAC
328 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002


Full Name___________________________________________________________________

Occupation________________________________Employer______________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City__________________________State_________________Zip Code______________

Phone__________________________Email____________________________________

Number of Knives______________Contribution Amount____________Date___________

Credit Card Number_________________________________Exp. Date________________
(Please note that we can only accept VISA or MasterCard.)


Is the contributor a member of the FOP?______

1. If Yes, please list:

FOP State Lodge_______________________________
FOP Local Lodge_______________________________
FOP Membership #______________________________

1. If No, please list:

FOP Member’s Name______________________________________________________

Your Relationship to the FOP Member________________________________________

Contributions or gifts to the National Fraternal Order of Police PAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Only PERSONAL or NON CORPORATE checks may be accepted. Contributions to the NFOP PAC are strictly voluntary and FOP members have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. You contribution will be used to support candidates for federal office who support law enforcement. Federal law requires PACs to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for reach individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year.

I. Legislative News and Activity
II. This Week in Congress
III. Update on FOP Top Legislative Priorities
IV. DAY ON THE HILL 2012!!!
V. Do Your Friends Get Grassroots?
VI. Reduced NFOP PAC Knives and Oakley Product Giveaway


I. LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY

DON'T FORGET TO BOOK ROOMS FOR DAY ON THE HILL!!!

Executive Director Jim Pasco and Kevin O’Connor, Assistant to the General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), met with Bernard Melekian, Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), to discuss grants awarded by that office.

Executive Director Pasco spoke with House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) on potential legislative movement in the House this session.

Executive Director Pasco and Legislative Liaison Breanna Bock-Nielsen attended a reception held by the National Sheriffs’ Association in Washington, DC.


II. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
The House returned this week, marking the formal start of the Second Session of the 112^th Congress. The Senate remains in recess this week but is expected to return next week.

Action in the House

The House approved by unanimous consent a privileged resolution (H. Res. 511) naming Paul D. Irving, a former top U.S. Secret Service official, the 36^th Sergeant at Arms.


III. UPDATE ON FOP TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out http://thomas.loc.gov.

A. Social Security Issues

(1) Support H.R. 1332/S. 2010, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
We added ten (10) additional cosponsors to H.R. 1332, bringing our current total to one hundred and forty-one (141) cosponsors. Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including Delegates Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) or Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam), who have limited voting rights on the floor. We are also not including Representative David Wu (D-OR), who resigned his seat earlier this year, or Representative Dean Heller (R-NV), who was appointed to fill the Senate seat vacated by Senator John Ensign (R-NV).

Representatives Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Sam Graves (R-MO), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Patrick Meehan (R-PA), Brad Miller (D-NC), Laura Richardson (D-CA), Jon Runyan (R-NJ); and Frederica Wilson (D-FL) were all added as cosponsors this week.

The Senate companion measure, S. 2010, was introduced by Senator John F. Kerry, Jr. (D-MA), and Susan M. Collins (R-ME), just before the conclusion of the first session. Senator Collins is the only cosponsor, but the National Legislative Office launched a letter campaign to contact previous cosponsors of the bill and we hope to add cosponsors when the Senate returns to session next week.

In addition, National Legislative Office staff continue to work with staff in the office of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) on S. 113, the "Public Servant Retirement Protection Act," and with Representative Kevin P. Brady on the House companion measure, H.R. 2797. This legislation would not impact the Government Pension Offset (GPO) but would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and replace it with a more equitable, individualized calculation of Social Security benefits based on an individual’s entire work history.

Currently, there is one (1) cosponsor on the Senate bill and seven (7) cosponsors on the House bill.

(2) Opposing any legislation that would require the participation of public employees in Social Security
The FOP will continue to lobby against this scheme and oppose any legislation which would mandate participation in Social Security.

B. Support the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act"
This legislation, which would guarantee the right of public safety employees to bargain collectively with their employers over hours, wages and conditions of employment, has not yet been introduced.

C. Support H.R. 1789, the "State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability and Due Process Act"
We currently have six (6) cosponsors on H.R. 1789.

The Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced, but we are working with staff in the office of several Senators in an effort to develop a Senate companion bill.

D. Support the H.R. 327, the "Law Enforcement Officers’ Equity Act" and S. 985, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Retirement Equity Act”
We currently have a total of ten (10) cosponsors on H.R. 327.

We currently have a total of one (1) cosponsor on S. 985.

E. Support the H.R. 324, legislation giving Federal law enforcement officers employed by the U.S. Department of Defense statutory arrest authority
We have eleven (11) cosponsors on H.R. 324.


IV. FOP DAY ON THE HILL 2012!!!
The FOP Day on The Hill 2012 will take place Monday, 27 February and run through Wednesday, 29 February. On Monday, 27 February 2012 the National Legislative Office and the National Legislative Committee will host a short briefing at the District of Columbia Lodge #1 located at 711 4th Street, NW, at a time to be announced.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 28-29 February, will be devoted to your meetings with Members from your home States and districts. These appointments should be made in advance!!! You can find the contact information for your Representative at http://www.house.gov/ and the contact information for your Senators at http://www.senate.gov/. Event participants should make every effort to have their Representative or Senator attend the meeting along with the appropriate staff person.

Schedule
Monday, 27 February, Time TBD – Legislative briefing at District of Columbia Lodge #1 located at 711 4th Street, NW
Tuesday, 28 February – Meetings with your Representative and Senators
Wednesday, 29 February – Meetings with your Representative and Senators

Accommodations
The National Legislative Office has arranged for accommodations at the DuPont Circle Hotel located at 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. The hotel is located just one block from the Metro, making it easy for you to move around Capitol Hill and the city.

The rate is $183 per night. To be guaranteed this special rate you MUST CALL and identify yourself as part of the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police. Make your reservations now by calling (202) 483-6000.

The cut-off date for reservations is 1 February 2012, so don't delay­--
make that reservation today!!!

V. Do Your Friends Get Grassroots?
Make sure your friends and coworkers know about our weekly updates! The grassroots emails are the most accurate source of information about the FOP on the Hill­ covering information on meetings, bills, and events.

To add your name from our mailing list, please send an email to grassroots@fop.net with ADD and the State in which you live, in the Subject Line.


VI. REDUCED NFOP PAC Knives and Oakley Product Giveaway!
The National Fraternal Order of Police PAC has a number of 2011 commemorative NFOP PAC pocket knives remaining. We also have one pair of Oakley Antix sunglasses, one pair of Oakley Radar sunglasses and two Oakley goggles available. All these Oakley products are valued over $100.

For the next week, we will be giving these Oakley products away, until they are gone, to every 30th person who orders a NFOP PAC pocket knife!

You can purchase a NFOP PAC pocket knife at the reduced price of only $15 for the chance to win one of these Oakley products! You will be alerted over the phone if you are one of the four lucky winners!

To order a NFOP PAC pocket knife, please complete the order form below and email to glynch@fop.net or call 202-547-8189.

NFOP PAC Contribution Form

Please return the form and contribution to:

National Fraternal Order of Police PAC
328 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002


Full Name___________________________________________________________________

Occupation________________________________Employer______________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City__________________________State_________________Zip Code______________

Phone__________________________Email____________________________________

Number of Knives______________Contribution Amount____________Date___________

Credit Card Number_________________________________Exp. Date________________
(Please note that we can only accept VISA or Mastercard.)


Is the contributor a member of the FOP?______

1. If Yes, please list:

FOP State Lodge_______________________________
FOP Local Lodge_______________________________
FOP Membership #______________________________

1. If No, please list:

FOP Member’s Name______________________________________________________

Your Relationship to the FOP Member________________________________________

Contributions or gifts to the National Fraternal Order of Police PAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Only PERSONAL or NON CORPORATE checks may be accepted. Contributions to the NFOP PAC are strictly voluntary and FOP members have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. You contribution will be used to support candidates for federal office who support law enforcement. Federal law requires PACs to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for reach individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year.

To remove your name from our mailing list, please send an email to grassroots@fop.net with REMOVE and the State in which you live, in the Subject Line
Questions or Comments? E-mail us at grassroots@fop.net or call (202) 547 - 8189.

Grand Lodge Website | Legislative Office

Washington Watch: Legislative Update
For the Week of 9 January 2012

I. Legislative News and Activity
II. This Week in Congress
III. Update on FOP Top Legislative Priorities
IV. UPDATED: DAY ON THE HILL 2012!!!
V. Do Your Friends Get Grassroots?
VI. Reduced NFOP PAC Knives and Oakley Product Giveaway

I. LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY

DON'T FORGET TO BOOK ROOMS FOR DAY ON THE HILL!!!

National President Chuck Canterbury was in Washington D.C. to attend a meeting of the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

Executive Director Jim Pasco and Legislative Liaison Breanna Bock-Nielsen traveled to Ft. Lauderdale, FL this weekend to participate in the meeting of the Eastern States Labor Coalition.

Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson met with staff in the offices of Senators Kelly A. Ayotte (R-NH) and John Cornyn III (R-TX) to discuss S. 306, the "National Criminal Justice Commission Act," and S. 657, the "National Blue Alert Act."

Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson and Legislative Liaison Grace Lynch met with staff in the offices of Representatives Lloyd "Ted" Poe (R-TX) and Jason E. Chaffetz (R-UT) to discuss H.R. 365, the "National Blue Alert Act."

Legislative Liaison Lynch met with staff in the office of Representative Louis B. Gohmert, Jr. (R-TX) to discuss H.R. 365, the "National Blue Alert Act."

II. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
Neither the House and the Senate conducted any business, with each chamber holding brief pro forma sessions so as to avoid having a formal recess.

III. UPDATE ON FOP TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out http://thomas.loc.gov .

With Congress out of session, no changes to the status of our top priorities were possible.

IV. FOP DAY ON THE HILL 2012!!!
The FOP Day on The Hill 2012 will take place Monday, 27 February and run through Wednesday, 29 February. On Monday, 27 February 2012 the National Legislative Office and the National Legislative Committee will host a short briefing at the District of Columbia Lodge #1 located at 711 4th Street, NW, at a time to be announced.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 28-29 February, will be devoted to your meetings with Members from your home States and districts. These appointments should be made in advance!!! You can find the contact information for your Representative at http://www.house.gov/ and the contact information for your Senators at http://www.senate.gov/. Event participants should make every effort to have their Representative or Senator attend the meeting along with the appropriate staff person.

Schedule
Monday, 27 February, Time TBD – Legislative briefing at District of Columbia Lodge #1 located at 711 4th Street, NW
Tuesday, 28 February – Meetings with your Representative and Senators
Wednesday, 29 February – Meetings with your Representative and Senators

Accommodations
The National Legislative Office has arranged for accommodations at the DuPont Circle Hotel located at 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. The hotel is located just one block from the Metro, making it easy for you to move around Capitol Hill and the city.

The rate is $183 per night. To be guaranteed this special rate you MUST CALL and identify yourself as part of the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police. Make your reservations now by calling (202) 483-6000.

The cut-off date for reservations is 1 February 2012, so don't delay­
make that reservation today!!!

V. Do Your Friends Get Grassroots?
Make sure your friends and coworkers know about our weekly updates! The grassroots emails are the most accurate source of information about the FOP on the Hill­ covering information on meetings, bills, and events.

To add your name from our mailing list, please send an email to grassroots@fop.net with ADD and the State in which you live, in the Subject Line.


VI. REDUCED NFOP PAC Knives and Oakley Product Giveaway!
The National Fraternal Order of Police PAC has a number of 2011 commemorative NFOP PAC pocket knives remaining. We also have one pair of Oakley Antix sunglasses, one pair of Oakley Radar sunglasses and two Oakley goggles available. All these Oakley products are valued over $100.

For the next week, we will be giving these Oakley products away, until they are gone, to every 30th person who orders a NFOP PAC pocket knife!

You can purchase a NFOP PAC pocket knife at the reduced price of only $15 for the chance to win one of these Oakley products! You will be alerted over the phone if you are one of the four lucky winners!

To order a NFOP PAC pocket knife, please complete the order form below and email to glynch@fop.net or call 202-547-8189.

NFOP PAC Contribution Form

Please return the form and contribution to:

National Fraternal Order of Police PAC
328 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002


Full Name___________________________________________________________________

Occupation________________________________Employer______________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City__________________________State_________________Zip Code______________

Phone__________________________Email____________________________________

Number of Knives______________Contribution Amount____________Date___________

Credit Card Number_________________________________Exp. Date________________
(Please note that we can only accept VISA or Mastercard.)


Is the contributor a member of the FOP?______

1. If Yes, please list:

FOP State Lodge_______________________________
FOP Local Lodge_______________________________
FOP Membership #______________________________

1. If No, please list:

FOP Member’s Name______________________________________________________

Your Relationship to the FOP Member________________________________________

Contributions or gifts to the National Fraternal Order of Police PAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Only PERSONAL or NON CORPORATE checks may be accepted. Contributions to the NFOP PAC are strictly voluntary and FOP members have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. You contribution will be used to support candidates for federal office who support law enforcement. Federal law requires PACs to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for reach individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year.

Click on line item to view/print the respective (.pdf) update.

Legislative Update - Week of 16 May 2011

Legislative Update - Week of 2 May 2011

Legislative Update - Week of 25 April 2011

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