The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“Introductory Statement on S. 4968” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the in the Senate section section on pages S5055-S5056 on Sept. 27.
The Department is one of the oldest in the US, focused primarily on law enforcement and the federal prison system. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, detailed wasteful expenses such as $16 muffins at conferences and board meetings.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
By Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Mr. Durbin):
S. 4968. A bill to create an Active Shooter Alert Communications Network, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Active Shooter Alert Act of 2022.
This legislation recognizes the need to protect the public during active shooter situations while our country experiences an unconscionable epidemic of mass shootings.
This legislation would establish a voluntary public safety alert system for use by law enforcement to notify individuals of active shooter situations occurring within their communities. It would also appoint an Active Shooter Alert Coordinator at the Department of Justice who would direct Federal training, technical support, and best practices efforts across the country.
Additionally, this legislation would establish an Advisory Panel to coordinate with FEMA, the Department of Transportation, and the FCC. The panel would develop guidance on how alerts should be sent, how they should be designed, and what language should be used.
Americans deserve to feel safe in their communities. The tragedies in Highland Park, Memphis, and Uvalde are reminders that we have to address the pressing issues surrounding mass shootings.
The House has already passed this bill with strong bipartisan support from 43 Republicans who recognized that political affiliation should never jeopardize our obligation to protect Americans from harm.
Public safety is paramount, and our country's law enforcement officers, first responders, and healthcare providers deserve every tool available as they carry out their work.
This bill is an important step to strengthen our public safety infrastructure, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the Active Shooter Alert Act of 2022 as quickly as possible.
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