WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined colleagues in the House in the bipartisan approval of legislation establishing a “Troops-to-Cops Program” to make it easier for honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces to serve as community law enforcement officers.

“Through their training and active duty, the men and women serving our country in the Armed Forces have proven trustworthy and capable in the most critical of circumstances,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “They have protected our country from harm, and will be welcome additions in the law enforcement profession should they choose to continue serving as protectors of our families and communities.”

The measure also authorizes the “COPS on the Beat” grant program to help state and local law enforcement agencies develop new technologies in crime prevention and training. The programs will be administered through the Community Oriented Policing Services program, (COPS), which has provided more than $73.6 million in grants to Montana law enforcement agencies since 2001.

“Local law enforcement agencies are the backbone of safe communities and schools, and I know the COPS funding programs have proven a valuable asset for the officers who put their lives on the line everyday for our safety,” said Rehberg.