Congressman Brady calls for action in response to national tragedy

Washington, DC (January 9, 2011): Congressman Robert A. Brady (D, Pennsylvania) announced he will introduce legislation that would make it a federal crime to make criminal threats against Members of Congress or their staff while performing official duties.

The legislation would revise Title 18, Section 871 of the U. S. Code which deals with threats against the President.

"This national tragedy should serve as much more than a wake-up call for those of us who engage in public service," said Brady. "This is a major alarm with all of the bells going off.”

"Unfortunately, we live in a day and age where extreme individuals feel justified in committing heinous acts. If the law says it is a crime to threaten the President it should also be a crime to criminally threaten a representative, senator, federal judge or any of their staff, “ said Brady, the ranking member on the House Administration Committee.

"The attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D., Arizona) and the killing of six people including a federal judge and a nine year old child, demands that we engage in an exhaustive review of our security procedures," said Brady. "I have strongly encouraged such a review and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation."