Leahy calls for bills to improve justice system

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said when Congress returns in November, it should pass bills addressing the DNA backlog and provide bulletproof vests for cops.

“There is simply no reason to delay or obstruct action on these bills, and no reason to further exacerbate the perception held by many Americans that Congress cannot work together to accomplish anything,” Leahy said Monday. “I know that we can work together to pass these bills — but it will require the cooperation and commitment of all senators.”

{mosads}Leahy said he wants both chambers to pass the Justice for All Reauthorization Act, S. 822, and the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act, S. 933. Both measures have bipartisan support but there is some Republican opposition blocking the bills.

“Despite this support from the key Republican leadership in the Senate, legislation to reauthorize the Justice for All Act — originally signed into law by President George W. Bush — is being blocked on the Republican side,” Leahy said. “Such obstructionism is unwarranted, and the Senate should at least be allowed to bring this bill up for a vote.”

The Justice for All Reauthorization Act strengthens the rights of crime victims and improves access to post-conviction DNA testing to protect innocent people from unjustly spending time in jail.

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act makes it more affordable for local police to obtain bulletproof vests.

“Members of Congress often speak passionately about the need to stand with law enforcement,” Leahy said. “Today, every Democratic senator stands ready to reauthorize this lifesaving program, yet a few Senate Republicans are blocking it. It is past time for our actions to match our rhetoric.”

The Senate returns to work on Nov. 12, after the midterm elections.