UPDATE: Lance, Pascrell Lend Bipartisan Heft to Protect ‘Blue Lines’ in N.J. Towns

Photo Credit: Red Bank Police Department K-9 Program’s Facebook Page

One of the Obama Administration’s parting slights to New Jersey taxpayers — and the police that protect them — was an attempt to end the state’s “Blue Line” initiative offered in support of the state’s law enforcement.

You read about it here at Save Jersey.

Two members of Congress are united in bucking the U.S. Department of Transportation’s edict despite their different partisan affiliations.

This week, Reps. Leonard Lance (NJ-07) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) introduced the Blue Line Use Exception (BLUE) Act (H.R. 566).

“One hundred thirty five police officers died in the line of duty in 2016. Seeing those faces on the news has been heartbreaking. And events like the mass killing of Dallas police officers last year are sickening and outrageous. Local communities should be able to honor law enforcement without the federal government’s telling them no. We should honor police personnel all year, especially as we celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Our bill will let local New Jersey communities keep their ‘blue line’ dedications,” said Lance.

The pair’s goal isn’t complicated. The legislation will, simply put, permit ‘blue lines’ to be displayed on all U.S. roadways including right here in the Garden State.

“I can assure the U.S. Department of Transportation that there is no confusion on the meaning of the painted blue line across many communities in New Jersey. In addition to being a daily reminder of the dangers our brave law enforcement officers face, it is a small show of support to honor their hard work and dedication to keeping our community safe,” added Pascrell, the co-chair of Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus. “I am proud to introduce the Blue Line Use Exception (BLUE) Act with Congressman Lance to ensure communities are able to take an easy and safe way to recognize the dedication of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day.”

Mayor Bob Woodruff of Berkeley Heights offered praise for the federal legislators’ efforts.

“Berkeley Heights is proud of our police department and all those who put their lives on the line every day,” said Woodruff. “The federal regulation is a reach and I’m glad Congressman Lance is taking up this cause. The ‘blue line’ means a lot to people in town and we want to keep it right in the heart of Berkeley Heights.”

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