Statement on Signing the
Bill To Regulate Armor-Piercing Ammunition
It
is a pleasure to be able to sign into law H.R. 3132 to ban the production or
importation of the so-called cop-killer bullets, which pose an unreasonable
threat to law enforcement officers who use soft body armor. This bill, similar
to legislation jointly submitted to the Congress by the Departments of Justice
and the Treasury in 1984, recognizes that certain forms of ammunition have no
legitimate sporting, recreational, or self-defense use and thus should be
prohibited. Such action is long overdue.
During
the 6\1/2\ years that I have served as President, I have sought to strengthen
law enforcement in this nation and to do everything possible to protect the
lives and safety of the dedicated men and women who constitute our first line
of defense against the forces of lawlessness. I am pleased, therefore, to sign
H.R. 3132 to ban armor-piercing ammunition as this legislation has long had the
strong endorsement of our outstanding law enforcement organizations, including
the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Sheriffs
Association, Fraternal Order of Police, International Brotherhood of Police
Officers, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of
Police Organizations, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement
Executives, National Black Police Association, National Troopers Coalition,
International Union of Police Associations, Police Executive Research Forum,
Police Foundation, Police Management Associations, and the Major City Chiefs.
In
signing this bill, I want to urge those States and localities that have not
acquired body armor for their law enforcement officers to obtain such
lifesaving equipment for their officers. The use of soft body armor is credited
with saving the lives of more than 600 officers since it was first introduced
in the 1970's. An even more important message is the one I have for law
enforcement officers: If you have access to soft body armor, please use it.
Your lives and safety are too important to risk needlessly. The fabric used in
modern soft body armor is truly a miracle fiber, but it is useless if left in
the dressing room locker or the trunk of a squad car.
In
signing H.R. 3132, I am giving our law enforcement officers my pledge to do
everything possible to eliminate the hazard posed by armor-piercing ammunition.
Those officers who in the past may have used the threat of armor-piercing
bullets as a justification for failing to wear soft body armor should no longer
have that excuse. We are doing our best at the Federal level to enhance the
safety of police officers but must have the cooperation of the officers
themselves to secure the full benefits of this important legislative action.
Note:
H.R. 3132, approved August 28, was assigned Public Law No. 99 - 408.