Sen. Cornyn Endorsed by Texas Fraternal Order of Police

Major Statewide Law Enforcement Organization Backs Sen. Cornyn’s Re-election

August 15, 2008

AUSTIN-U.S. Sen. John Cornyn's re-election campaign announced on Monday the unanimous endorsement of the Texas Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for his strong Senate record in support of the rule of law. Texas FOP is one of the largest organizations of peace officers in the state.

"I'm honored to receive the backing of men and women who play a vital role in keeping our communities safe. They serve on the front lines every day enforcing the law and protecting Texas families. I am committed to continue working with them on behalf of all Texans," Sen. Cornyn said.

The outgoing President of the Texas FOP Dennis Ward said: "Sen. Cornyn has been a strong friend of law enforcement throughout his career. His leadership has enabled us to better fight crime, protect children and keep all Texans safe. We're proud to strongly back his re-election."

The President-elect of the Texas FOP Frank Plowick said: "Sen. Cornyn has earned another term in the Senate through his hard work on behalf of peace officers. He understands the difficulties we face on a daily basis and has always been there for the law enforcement community. All Texans are well served by the exceptional job he has done."

The National FOP Trustee for Texas Ken Starrs said: "Sen. Cornyn's great work in the Senate has made a positive difference for the safety of Texas families. He has established a solid record of making sure we have the necessary tools to do our jobs. He has collaborated with both parties on legislation to keep gangs off the streets, crack down on violence and diminish the spread of illicit drugs."

One of Sen. Cornyn's highest priorities in the Senate has been to make sure law enforcement officials have the resources, tools and protection to carry out their mission of protecting Texas families.

-- Below are Examples of Sen. Cornyn's Strong Record on Behalf of Law Enforcement --

  • Sen. Cornyn worked to enact measures to improve law enforcement's security. For example, he supported the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, enacted in 2004, which allows active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons.

 

  • Sen. Cornyn successfully helped with Senate passage of the Gang Abatement and Prevention Act of 2007 to provide critical reinforcement in keeping dangerous gangs away from Texas communities, and illicit drugs off the streets.

 

  • Sen. Cornyn introduced the Law Enforcement Officers and Judges Protection Act of 2007 to curb frivolous lawsuits against police officers. This bill will also ensure that cop killers who are sentenced to death receive swift justice, not endless appeals.

 

  • Sen. Cornyn has strongly backed various other initiatives to assist law enforcement efforts. These include the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), the Justice Department's bulletproof vest program, and others.   

 

  • Sen. Cornyn joined Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in July in introducing the Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2008 to assist border law enforcement personnel in addressing greater drug trafficking and violence. Their legislation would allocate resources to acquire needed law enforcement technology and equipment, and to hire additional personnel.

 

  • Sen. Cornyn backed the PROTECT Act to create a national AMBER Alert Network, which allows prosecutors to bring indictments for federal sex offenses against an unnamed individual's DNA profile, and prosecution beyond the five-year statute of limitations.

 

  • Sen. Cornyn supported the Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, which established a national registration for sex offenders and offenders against children, and boosted penalties for violent crimes against children.

 

  • Sen. Cornyn co-sponsored the Crime Victims Rights constitutional amendment and other measures to protect crime victims.

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