Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) – all members of the Republican or Democratic congressional baseball teams – Thursday introduced the Wounded Officers Recovery Act. This bill is a companion to legislation introduced yesterday in the House by Reps. Joe Barton (R-Texas) and Mike Doyle (D-Pa.).
The bipartisan, bicameral bill would amend the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund to expand eligibility to include any U.S. Capitol Police employee that has been injured in the line of duty. The fund at present only allows funds donated to be distributed to families of officers killed in the line of duty.
The bill would enable Capitol Police special agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey to access funds raised for victims of the congressional baseball practice shooting. Griner and Bailey were both wounded in the line of duty as they successfully fought off and subdued the gunman.
Donnelly said, “Every day, Capitol Police officers put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of members of Congress, our staff, and visitors from across the country and world. Capitol Police officers severely wounded in the line of duty, including those who saved lives at last month’s shooting in Virginia, should be eligible for United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund assistance, and I’m honored to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation.”
Flake said, “Special agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey had our backs on that baseball field, and now we have theirs. It’s a privilege to assist them in their recovery and to reaffirm Congress’ support for brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police.”
Paul said, “It is vital that we always stand up for those that risk their lives to defend us. I continue to believe that the United States Capitol Police diverted a massacre from happening on that field. I stand with these heroes.”
Murphy said, “The Capitol Police are heroes who put their lives on the line to protect members of Congress and our constituents who come to Washington. Officers who sustain serious injuries in the line of duty deserve extra support and recognition for their service. They’re always there for us, and this bill ensures we’ll be there for them.”
