RAMSTAD LEGISLATION TO HELP FAMILIES OF SLAIN OFFICERS PASSES HOUSE ON PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House today passed legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (MN-3^rd) to help families of public safety officers killed in the line of duty.

Ramstad, who chairs the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, said "It’s highly appropriate that Congress passed this important legislation on Peace Officers Memorial Day, just as our nation honors the brave public safety officers who have given their lives to protect us."

The "Fallen Heroes Survivor Benefit Fairness Act" (H.R. 1727) corrects an inequity in the tax code that limits tax-free benefits only to families of peace officers who were killed in the line of duty after December 31, 1996.

"My legislation corrects a gross inequity in the tax code so all families of slain peace officers will receive tax-free survivor benefits, regardless of the date the officer died," said Ramstad.

"It is especially appropriate that we pass this important legislation on May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day, the day when America honors the 15,400 men and women in law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our communities," said Ramstad.

"As Co-Chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, I deeply appreciate the risks and sacrifices made by our officers each and every day they put on the badge. I have seen, first-hand, how officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep our streets and communities safe," said Ramstad, who pointed out that on average, a police officer is killed once every 57 hours in America, and 62,000 assaults are committed against police officers every year.

"Passing this legislation is an important way to help these brave heroes’ families who have been left behind," said Ramstad.

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