(Washington, DC)— Congressman Dan Lungren (R-Gold River), a member of the House Judiciary Committee and former Attorney General of the state of California, has invited fellow members of the House of Representatives to cosponsor H.R. 2194, the Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2005.

“We must severely punish criminals who seek to harm the men and women who protect us.  The Law Enforcement Protection Act is necessary legislation that will toughen the penalties for criminals who injure federal and federally-funded state and local law enforcement officers.  We must send a strong message to criminals that the injuring of law enforcement officials will result in severe punishment,” said Congressman Lungren.

“As this coming Monday, May 15, is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, I urge my fellow Members of Congress to join with me in paying tribute to local, state, and federal law enforcement officials by protecting and preserving those who so courageously serve us,” added Congressman Lungren.

The bill would create mandatory minimum and new maximum penalties for assaulting both federal and federally-funded state and local law enforcement officers.  The Law Enforcement Protection Act would also increase the penalties for killings of federal and federally-funded state and local law enforcement officers.  In addition, H.R. 2194 includes tough new penalties relating to the assault, kidnapping, murder and threats made against the immediate family members of federal and state law enforcement officers.

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