David Reichert RSS Articles

Rep. Reichert Applauds House Passage of National Blue Alert Act

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA), Co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus applauded passage of the National Blue Alert Act of 2012, which he co-sponsored. Rep. Reichert led a bipartisan letter last month urging the House Judiciary Committee to hold hearings so that the bill received expeditious consideration by the full House of Representatives. The bill passed the House by a vote of 394 to 1 today, National Peace Officer Memorial Day.

This bill is personal for Congressman Reichert. As a former police officer and sheriff of King County, Washington, Rep. Reichert has too often felt the loss of a law enforcement brother or sister. Creating the National Blue Alert system helps to protect not just the men and women of law enforcement, but their families and communities.

“Creating the National Blue Alert system is a crucial step forward in protecting our communities and preventing further tragedy. When a criminal murders a law enforcement officer, speedy apprehension is essential to protecting the public, preventing further loss of life and returning peace to communities. By creating a system to quickly disseminate crucial information, we empower ordinary citizens and public safety officers, increasing the speed of justice. It is my honor to add to the tools that officers at every level will use to keep America safe. ”

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, there is an upward trend in ambush attacks against law enforcement. Washington State has suffered several law enforcement tragedies in recent years.

In 2009, a lone gunman entered a Lakewood, Washington coffee shop and assassinated four police officers as they prepared for their shift. Sergeant Mark Renninger was among the fallen. His widow, Kim Renninger, said, “The Blue Alert could have been an effective tool to help catch [the murderer].. As soon as he was identified, all police personnel and citizens would have had access to his name and description in a much shorter amount of time. By streamlining and swiftly disseminating suspect information, similar life-ending disasters can be avoided. “Renninger continued, “Unfortunately, in the last couple of years there's been way too many law enforcement deaths similar to my husband's murder. Each one has deeply affected me and is why I'm now stepping up and asking that the National Blue Alert bill be implemented to protect the citizens of this great country from perpetrators who are on the run after severely injuring or killing a law enforcement officer. “

Nationally this year, 36 officers have already been killed in the line of duty, including Washington State Trooper Tony Radulescu.

Trooper Radulescu’s girlfriend, Gina Miller, said in support of a National Blue Alert, “I miss Tony every day … ALL law enforcement needs to be given the tools they need to get the upper hand on the criminals. I don’t want any other family to go through what our family has, wondering where the criminal is and will they be caught,” Miller continued, “How would you feel knowing the killer of one of your loved ones is on the loose and could harm others? The passing of the National Blue Alert Bill [will] provide much needed and necessary tools to our law enforcement, it [will] honor all of those who have lost their life in the line of duty. “

Washington State homicide victim’s advocate and wife of a police officer Keriann Shumate adds, “The fear and anxiety that “Brothers in Blue” experience following a cop’s murder is so strong that residual effects hold a permanent effect.” she continues, “After an attack, it takes every ounce of inner strength to watch my husband leave for work, knowing there is a cop-killer on the loose. How do I explain to my young child that Mommy is crying because she is fearful that somebody on the loose may take away his Daddy? With the Blue Alert available and utilized as soon as suspect information is developed, it can save family members, friends and law enforcement officers days of being out of their mind with fear and anxiety. It will allow the public to be pro-active and get involved in the safety of those who protect their safety.”

The National Blue Alert Act of 2012 has the full support of multiple Law Enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff’s Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeant’s Benevolent Association, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. It directs the Attorney General to establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is killed or injured in the line of duty. The act assigns an existing DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator responsible for creating voluntary guidelines to assist states in developing their Blue Alert plans. While fourteen states have already developed Blue Alert systems, criminals do not respect borders, and to this end the Act encourages more states to establish such plans so they can quickly communicate and share information with each other and the public about potentially dangerous offenders on the run.

Kim Renninger’s full statement can be found here.

Gina Miller’s full statement can be found here.

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Statement for the Record: National Teacher Day

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of National Teacher Day, I want to thank the teachers around this country for giving so generously of themselves to their students, their communities and their schools. Teachers make a difference in young people’s lives every day and in myriad ways. I know personally the positive change they made in my life. Teachers educate our young people not just in math and English, but in more difficult subjects such as sharing, expressing themselves and solving differences. The value they add to students cannot be measured. I also want to single out the teachers in the District I represent, Washington’s 8^th, because I’ve had the pleasure of visiting and interacting with so many there. Every single time I visit a school, I see students responding positively to teachers’ guidance and encouragement.

Our teachers never stop working. They work both in and outside the walls of their classrooms. They help coach athletes. They inspire students in the community. Our teachers act as positive role models for children that may not otherwise have them. They spend weekends and evenings grading papers and tests. They brighten their classrooms with inspirational and thoughtful artwork. They engage young people in the kind of conversations necessary to be leaders in future generations. They help supply students with the everyday life skills that they need to succeed.

That is why I sponsored the Teacher Tax Relief Act, a bill increasing the maximum tax deduction available to teachers for out of pocket expenses from $250-$500 and a bill making professional development costs an eligible expense--in that way, teachers can continue to their own educations and continue to be effective in the classroom.

Today, Mr. Speaker, on National Teacher Day, I thank all teachers for their service to America’s future generations. All of our teachers deserve the respect and support of students, parents and their communities. My pledge today is to support teachers in this House as much as possible.

Rep. Reichert Announces Winner of 2012 Congressional Art Competition

Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert has announced that Haydee Sanchez, a student at Tahoma Senior High School, has won the 2012 Congressional Art Competition for Washington’s Eighth Congressional District with her photograph titled, “Lonely.” Haydee’s artwork was selected Tuesday evening in Maple Valley, Washington, at the Maple Valley Creative Arts Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts and artists of the Maple Valley area.

“As in years past, it was wonderful to see so many great pieces of art submitted by such talented young people,” said Reichert. “Every year this competition impresses me with the highest levels of talent and dedication on display. I was proud to announce Haydee’s photograph won the competition this year.”

In addition to Haydee, Olivia Wu, a student at Bellevue Christian High School, was awarded second place with her piece, “Just Thinking,” and Enumclaw High School student Taryn Schriener finished third with her artwork, “Clairvoyance.”

“The support every year is a clear signal of the importance of art and art education. I applaud the parents, siblings, teachers and administrators for their support of these gifted artists.”

Sanchez’ work will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol beginning the week of June 4 for a calendar year.

Background: Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has provided high school students throughout the nation with the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic abilities and compete for the chance to display their work in the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol Building. Congressman Reichert, a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus, has participated in the program every year since taking office. Reichert is a long-time supporter of a well-rounded school curriculum.

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Reichert Introduces Bipartisan Workers’ Compensation Legislation

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Reichert Introduces Bipartisan Workers’ Compensation Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Dave Reichert (WA-8) and Mike Thompson (CA-1) introduced legislation today that improves the Medicare set-aside process for workers’ compensation claims. Currently, workers’ compensation settlements that overlap with Medicare coverage are subject to lengthy, cumbersome review by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ascertain appropriate “set-aside” coverage amounts for future medical expenses. The Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers’ Compensation Settlement Agreements Act provides clear and consistent standards for an administrative process that provides reasonable protections for injured workers and Medicare.

“I was proud to work with Rep. Thompson on this bill,” said Reichert, “This is a much-needed ‘common sense’ reform to ensure that Medicare claims are handled in a way that is more efficient so that the parties involved can move forward swiftly and with certainty to protect injured workers. Our bill gives injured workers the confidence that their health care claims will be processed in a fair and timely way.”

The Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers’ Compensation Settlement Agreements Act will benefit injured workers, employers and insurers by creating a system of certainty and allows the settlement process to move forward while eliminating millions of dollars in administrative costs that harm workers, employers and insurers.

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Reps. Reichert, Pascrell Rally Bi-Partisan Support for Critical Crime Fighting and Prevention Programs

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

In a show of bi-partisanship, U.S. Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) continued their fight to preserve federal funding for two crucial law enforcement programs, the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program . The Law Enforcement Caucus Co-Chairs recruited 143 colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support a letter advocating for the programs’ inclusion in the Department of Justice appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2013.

Rep. Reichert: “The tremendous support that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have shown demonstrates our commitment to continue the support of these programs and through them the communities kept safe by the men and women of local law enforcement. I’ll continue to work in Congress on these brave officers’ behalf to ensure that they have the tools and resources needed to keep citizens safe. Supporting local law enforcement is vital to protecting every community across the nation.

"The COPS program strengthens our first line of defense against threats to our homeland security by helping communities keep police working on the streets. It is also an investment in maintaining a healthy economy in Main Street America as well as a better quality of life in our hometowns. The Byrne JAG program provides federal resources for comprehensive initiatives that combat criminal activities including gang violence and drug trafficking," said Rep. Pascrell. "I have been proud to work alongside Congressman Reichert in the fight to maintain funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services program as well as the Byrne/JAG program. In the course of hammering out next year's national budget, our message to the Appropriations Committee is clear: We stand in bipartisan unity in support of public safety."

The Byrne JAG program is the primary provider of federal funding to state and local jurisdictions and supports nearly all elements of the criminal justice system. The COPS hiring program is designed to improve public safety to increase community hiring. In the last 15 years, the COPS office has funded the addition of nearly 115,000 officers to more than 12,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to increase hiring and, as a consequence, community policing and crime prevention efforts.

Aside from the 143 Members of Congress, the initiative to continue funding these crucial programs is supported by 45 Attorneys General, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Criminal Justice Association and numerous state, local and federal law enforcement organizations.

The full text of the letter is below (A PDF of the letter and its list of signers can be found here):

Dear Chairman Wolf and Ranking Member Fattah:

Thank you for your ongoing and diligent efforts to appropriately rebalance limited resources in this difficult fiscal climate in order to support our nation’s highest priorities. As you begin to craft the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriation bill for Fiscal Year 2013, we urge you to include sufficient funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) Program and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs, in particular the COPS Hiring program. These programs are critical to ensuring that state and local law enforcement have the tools, personnel, and resources necessary to protect and serve their communities.

The federal government has an important and appropriate role to play in helping to prevent and fight crime which knows no boundaries. The Byrne JAG and COPS programs are the cornerstone federal justice assistance programs that support this crucial role. Since their inception, the Byrne JAG and COPS programs have enabled law enforcement agencies to form vital partnerships among communities and law enforcement officers, combat criminal activities, and develop and implement problem-solving and crime prevention programs nationwide. The two programs work hand-in-hand to provide evidence-based and innovative programs to address a multitude of problems within the criminal justice system.

The strength of the Byrne JAG program is in its impact across the criminal justice system, from law enforcement to prosecution and courts, crime prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, program planning, evaluation, technology improvement, and crime victim and witness initiatives. Byrne JAG funds can be deployed quickly to address emerging trends, such as gang violence, the manufacture of methamphetamine or, more recently, prescription drug abuse.

The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office and its corresponding programs provide invaluable resources and technical assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies. Since its inception, the COPS Hiring program has placed over 115,000 officers in communities across the United States to advance community policing and crime prevention efforts. These are critical bodies on the street patrolling high crime neighborhoods and working on drug and gang task forces. While the COPS Office is well known for its hiring program, it also provides many other valuable resources and support to assist law enforcement to update technology, strengthen school safety, assist tribal territories, prosecute child sexual predators, and enhance methamphetamine reduction efforts.

In this tough economic time, when there have been increases in violent crime, drug sales, and threats to our homeland security, it is essential that law enforcement has the resources necessary to effectively and efficiently protect the public. Continued investment in the Byrne JAG and COPS programs is critical to ensuring our law enforcement men and women have the support and tools necessary to keep themselves and our families safe. In recent years, law enforcement agencies have watched their budgets diminish significantly, resulting in agencies making extremely difficult sacrifices. For example, many law enforcement agencies have been increasing the size of an officer’s patrol area and decreasing the number of officers on a shift due to a lack of available personnel. These setbacks not only pose a serious risk to officers who may now patrol a high-crime area alone or wait longer for back-up; they also hamper law enforcement’s ability to effectively and efficiently fight and prevent crime in communities.

We appreciate the difficulty you face in appropriating adequate resources for the programs under your jurisdiction. Continued support for the Byrne JAG and COPS Hiring programs is imperative to the success of law enforcement in keeping our communities safe. These programs supplement the manpower and incentivize the collaboration across agencies necessary to build upon successful crime reduction efforts over the past 20 years. For these reasons, we respectfully request that you include strong funding for the Byrne JAG and COPS programs, especially the COPS Hiring program, in the FY2013 CJS appropriations bill.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

David G. Reichert Bill Pascrell, Jr.
Member of Congress Member of Congress

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Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort Underway to Provide Additional Court Options for Federal Law Enforcement Officers

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representatives Dave Reichert (WA-08) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-8), co-chairs of the House Law Enforcement Caucus, and Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Chris Coons of Delaware yesterday introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would allow federal law enforcement officers who acted under their official duties and charged with a crime in state court an opportunity to petition to have the agent’s case heard before a federal court.

“As a former Sheriff I know far too well that law enforcement officers are never ‘off duty.’ Every day, they earn our trust and often step in to save lives and protect the innocent while risking their own safety—regardless of whether they are on or off the job. We owe these brave men and women this assurance so they can continue to focus on serving the American people,” Reichert said.

"This legislation will allow federal agents to protect Americans, whether they are on or off duty. Our federal law enforcement agents are highly trained professionals who often go above and beyond what is required of them – and put themselves in harm's way in the process. They deserve our gratitude," said Pascrell. "I am proud to help advance this bipartisan legislation on behalf of dedicated federal agents throughout the country who work to keep us safe."

“Federal agents are extensively trained, at taxpayer expense, to protect and serve the American public and are never off-duty. To expect them to stand by while a victim suffers violent acts in their presence is contrary to the oath they take to protect others and is a waste of taxpayer funded training,” Grassley said. “This bill will help make our communities safer and help those who are sworn to guard and serve the public.”

“Day in and day out, federal law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect Americans,” Coons said. “When I was a county executive in Delaware, I worked closely with our local law enforcement professionals and witnessed firsthand how our brave officers are trained to detect and prevent dangerous situations, whether they are on-the-clock or not. The Officer Safety Act of 2012 will ensure that ‘off duty’ federal officers who intercede to protect the lives of others will be held to the same standards as when they are performing their official duties. This bill will help law enforcement better protect our neighbors and families. I applaud the leadership of Senator Grassley for developing this important legislation and I will continue to advocate on behalf of our brave first responders.”

The Officer Safety Act of 2012 is modeled after the Good Samaritan Act, but is narrower, more restrictive, and provides no liability protection. The bill does not provide immunity to federal law enforcement officers, but simply allows for case removal to federal court where the officer will be required to defend his or her actions. In addition, it doesn’t infringe upon states’ rights, as they retain the same due process rights that have existed since the early 1800’s.

Specifically, the Officer Safety Act of 2012:

allows a federal law enforcement agent, who stops a violent crime while off-duty and is indicted in a state court for those actions, to petition for the state criminal prosecution against him to be removed to a federal court, and
clarifies the “color of law” prong required in the removal process, as courts have invited Congress to clarify.

The bill is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association, and the National Border Patrol Council. It is expected to be referred to the Judiciary committees in both the Senate and the House. The text of the bill can be found by clicking here.

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Reichert Statement on Resignation of King County Sheriff Sue Rahr

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8), former King County Sheriff, released the following statement regarding the resignation of King County Sheriff Sue Rahr:

“Sue has been a trailblazer since she started working in law enforcement. I chose her as my successor as King County Sheriff in 2004 not only because of her extensive experience, but because of her character. I wish her the very best in the next phase of her career at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. I know that her skills will add value to the Commission, which will trickle down to all law enforcement agencies in Washington State. I know that she’ll do an outstanding job and I look forward to watching her succeed in yet another venue.”

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Reichert Statement on Support of the FY 2013 House Budget Resolution

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08), a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, released the following statement after voting to support the FY2013 House Budget Resolution:

“Families and small businesses have been over-burdened with trillions of dollars of debt. Today’s House Budget Resolution reins in out-of-control spending and enacts responsible reforms that begin the hard work of getting our fiscal house in order so that we leave a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren that does not include the burdens of bailouts, wasted tax dollars and colossal deficits.

“As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I look forward to the opportunity to have a robust and open debate about appropriate reforms to our tax code and health care system. Our aim is to simplify the tax code so that small businesses can grow and taxpayers can keep more of what they earn.

“This budget tackles spending and strengthens health care. This budget moves forward a framework to support job creators, seniors, veterans, families and entire communities so that they can decide what is in their own best interest and make choices about their future and with it this great nation’s.”

Background: The FY2013 House Budget Resolution will produce nearly $4 trillion in deficit reduction over the next decade. It also brings federal spending to below 20% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2015, which is close to the historical average of 18% over the past 40 years and establishes a binding cap on total discretionary spending in FY2013. The budget eliminates across-the-board cuts to programs such as education and transportation scheduled to take effect next January, affording members the opportunity to more carefully decide how to further reduce spending.

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Reichert Statement on the Washington State National Guard, Reserve and their Employers

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today released the following statement honoring the service and sacrifices made by Washington State’s National Guard and Reserve members, the contributions of their employers, and the work of the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization in facilitating the integration of reservists into the civilian workforce.

“As a former reservist in the U.S. Air Force, I know well the sacrifices made by those in the military reserves as they leave behind not only their families, but also their civilian employers to answer the call of duty. Nearly 50 percent of our Armed Forces are now made up of members of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR’s ‘On the Road’ campaign across Washington State is providing a valuable service by informing ‘Citizen Warriors’ and their civilian employers of the many resources available to them.

“I ask everyone in our local communities to join me in recognizing the extraordinary service of our National Guard and Reserve members, the critical support provided by their employers, and the valuable resources offered to the entire Guard and Reserve community for the past 40 years through ESGR.”

Background: In 1972, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was created within the Department of Defense to promote the service and re-integration of National Guard Members and other military reservists into the civilian workforce. ESGR is currently running a campaign across Washington State about the sacrifices made by WA National Guard members and Reservists. The “On the Road” campaign consists of transit bus ads that say "We All Serve," highlighting the service of those in the National Guard and Reservists who get called to active duty. Buses in Seattle, Spokane and Olympia are carrying public service announcements and ads to raise awareness about ESGR and advocate supportive employment initiatives for the Guard and Reserve community.

In 2007, Rep. Reichert sponsored H.R. 1632 a bill designed to improve responsiveness to veterans’ hiring needs by requiring the Secretary of Labor to issue a yearly report to Congress on employment complaints filed by reservists and National Guard members about re-employment issues, and share the data with the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney General.

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Congressman Dave Reichert is Named a USA Wind Jobs Champion

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) was presented yesterday with a USA Wind Jobs Champion Award for his determined support and diligent work in helping to create and sustain U.S. jobs in the wind energy industry.

"Extending this long-standing tax incentive will leverage private investment to bring proven energy projects online, and reduce electricity costs for businesses and families,” said Rep. Reichert. “Wind energy plays an important and increasing role in America’s total energy supply and reducing our reliance on foreign energy resources controlled by hostile nations. The certainty an extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) will provide can further spur growth in this vital sector, increase economic development, and create jobs.”

Denise Bode, American Wind Energy Association’s Chief Executive Officer and Jeff Bishop, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR) presented Congressman Reichert with the award – a commemorative plaque and wind turbine bolt made by the Dyson Corporation of Painesville, OH.

“Representative Reichert’s continued support of the wind energy industry in the state is helping to keep Washington working,” said Jeff Bishop, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of EDPR. EDPR currently operates a wind farm in Kittitas Valley. The wind farm has an installed capacity of 100.8 MW – enough to power approximately 28,000 average Washington homes with clean energy each year.

In Congressman Reichert’s state, there are three wind manufacturing facilities. Washington is home to Katana Summit and TBailey, both major wind turbine tower manufacturers who have manufacturing facilities in Ephrata and Anacortes, respectively. At least 9 facilities in Washington currently manufacture components for the wind energy industry.

In 2010 alone, the wind industry supported as many as 2,000 Washington jobs. Washington currently ranks 6th in total overall wind power installation. In 2011, Washington installed the 8th most wind power in the US.

“I want to thank Congressman Reichert for his strong support of American jobs and private investment in one of America’s fastest growing manufacturing sectors,” said Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA. “Congressman Reichert understands that wind power is creating an American success story, but this success depends on stable tax policy. With the Congressman’s strong support, we are working to extend American wind’s crucial Production Tax Credit and save tens of thousands of good American jobs in the wind industry.”

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