House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer and Representative Andrew Garbarino expressed approval following the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act (H.R. 2096). This legislation aims to restore due process protections for police officers in Washington, D.C., aligning with former President Trump's executive order, "Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful."
"D.C. police officers deserve the right to fair representation, collective bargaining, and a clear disciplinary process just like other public servants," stated Chairman Comer. He emphasized that as recruitment and retention in local police departments decline nationwide amid high crime rates in D.C., this act is crucial for safeguarding officers who risk their lives daily.
Representative Garbarino noted, "The House’s passage of my bill, the Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act, is a critical step toward restoring law and order in Washington, D.C." He highlighted issues faced by the Metropolitan Police Department due to policies that have stripped officers of protections.
In 2023, crime rates surged affecting residents and businesses in D.C., leading to recruitment challenges for police officers under the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Act 24-781). An attempt by Congress to block this act was vetoed by President Biden.
The newly passed legislation amends the D.C. Government Comprehensive Merit Personnel Act of 1978 to reinstate provisions allowing police unions to bargain over disciplinary matters and set timelines for officer discipline procedures.
The National Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed this act.
