Kerrie Orozco Act

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 1970, the Kerrie Orozco Act. This coming Saturday is the 2-year anniversary of the death of the Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, who was killed while serving a warrant to a convicted felon and known gang member. May 20, 2015, will forever be a somber day in the Omaha metro area.

Every day all across the country, first responders put their lives on the line to protect citizens. When Officer Orozco was killed, her husband, Hector, was going through the process to gain U.S. citizenship, and her death put a halt to it. He has an enormous responsibility as a single parent, and we owe it to Kerrie to ensure that her family is provided the same protections they would have had if this unfortunate situation had not occurred.

H.R. 1970 would give many of our first responders peace of mind to know that, even in death, their surviving loved ones can continue the immigration process. This legislation would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow for the surviving family members of a fallen U.S. citizen first responder to be naturalized upon compliance with all requirements.

Current law allows for surviving family members of the U.S. military killed in service of our Nation to continue with their citizenship application. H.R. 1970 will simply extend that privilege to first responders. We owe it to Officer Orozco and other fallen first responders to honor their memory by passing H.R. 1970.

I look forward to working with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress to give our first responders the peace of mind they deserve as they head out the door each day to serve our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week to show support of those who put their lives on the line every day to protect Nebraskans and all Americans. These law enforcement professionals protect the life, limb, and property in assigned patrol areas during long hours, keeping them away from their own families.

To those on the front line of our safety, it is not about the pay, the hours, or the conditions they work in; it is about making the world a better and safer place. Because of this, I have introduced three pieces of legislation to support those who serve on the front lines.

H.R. 1970, the Kerrie Orozco Act, allows the immediate relatives of first responders who die in the line of duty to continue to process their immigration application in a timely manner, despite the death of their loved one.

H.R. 5134, the STOP Straw Purchases Act, will increase punishment for those who purchase guns for someone who is prohibited from possessing one.

H.R. 4896 allows each State to extend the training requirements for those carrying under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act from every 12 months to up to 36 months because

they already received extensive training.

I want to thank those who have served for their dedication to protect and serve and to defend our communities. Your service will not be forgotten.