02.09.2018

President Trump Signs Tester’s 12th Bill into Law

Senator’s Bipartisan Legislation Honoring Fallen First Responders Becomes Law

(Bozeman, Mont.)-President Trump has signed U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s twelfth bill into law this Congress.

Tester’s Honoring Hometown Heroes Act amends U.S. flag code, allowing governors to order the American flag to half-staff to honor any law enforcement officer or local emergency responder who dies in the line of duty.

“Law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Tester. “I’m pleased that Congress could work together to show all fallen heroes the respect and honor they deserve.”

Before Tester’s Hometown Heroes Act, U.S. flag code only allowed governors to order flags lowered following the death of a government official or member of the Armed Services in combat.

Tester’s bill passed the Senate unanimously and has been endorsed by multiple national first responder and law enforcement organizations, including the following:

Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
National Association of Police Organizations
Fraternal Order of Police
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
International Association of Fire Fighters
International Association of Fire Chiefs
National Volunteer Fire Council
National Honor Guard Commanders Association
National Honor Guard Academy
National Fire Academy Alumni Association

Tester was recently named one of the most effective senators in Washington by the University of Virginia’s and Vanderbilt University’s non-partisan Center for Effective Lawmaking.

Since being sworn into office, President Trump has signed 12 of Tester’s bills into law. The others are as follows: