H.R. 866

The Law Enforcement Protection Act

On February 4, 2009, Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) introduced H.R. 866, the Law Enforcement Protection Act. The measure that would provide an exception to mandatory minimum sentence requirements established under 18 USC § 924(c) for a law enforcement officer who uses, carries, or possesses a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence committed while pursuing or apprehending a suspect.

The bill is a response to the convictions of two Border Patrol agents, Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos, convicted of shooting an unarmed, fleeing man, later identified as an undocumented immigrant and drug smuggler. George W. Bush granted clemency to the two former Border Patrol agents in January 2009 after they received 10-year mandatory minimums under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for discharging a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. 

The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. FAMM supports this legislation.