Law Enforcement
Congressman Roskam has been working to provide the additional funding and resources our police departments need to develop greater cooperation among all levels of law enforcement, especially in light of the increasing homeland security responsibilities we are asking them to shoulder.
- Obtained nearly $2 million to equip DuPage and Cook County first responders with interoperable radio communication systems.
- Supporter of the COPS Improvement Act which has funded more than $439 million for Illinois’ police department programs, including the hiring of 2,686 additional officers here at home and an additional 50,000 cops across the nation.
- Worked to get $429.6 million in emergency funding approved for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program to ensure the full funding of state and local police law enforcement, narcotic, prosecution and prevention activities.
- Voted to increase Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding for Chicagoland police and fire to $175 million
Introduced H.R. 3151, the State and Local Criminal Forensic Laboratory Enhancement Act to reduce the forensic backlog at local crime labs and help police and prosecutors close cases and get criminals off the streets.
Introduced H.R. 5405, a bill to require more secure identification documents to make it easier for police officers to identify and defend against criminals.
Law Enforcement
Congressman Roskam believes we must properly fund our fire and rescue departments to ensure the safety and security of our communities. In Congress, Roskam has championed this cause and supported millions of dollars in increased funding for local departments.
- $2.5 million for DuPage and Cook County first responders to purchase interoperable radio communication systems to ensure effective coordination and cooperation during major emergencies.
- $75 million increase in the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program.
- $13 million increase for the Assistance to Fire Fighters grant program to assist with recruitment and training efforts and the purchase of essential equipment.
Roskam also voted in favor of increasing Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding for the Chicagoland area, bringing more than $175 million to Chicago area first responders.
Additionally, Roskam was a cosponsor of H.R. 1742, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act, legislation aimed at updating older buildings’ sprinkler systems to reduce the number of fire-related fatalities.
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