James Comer is Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. | https://oversight.house.gov/chairman-james-comer/
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) delivered remarks in support of H.R. 5214, the District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act. The bill, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), seeks to amend the D.C. criminal code to require cash bail and ensure that individuals charged with violent crimes are detained while awaiting trial.
In his prepared statement, Comer criticized current policies regarding cashless bail in Washington, D.C., stating: "Cashless bail allows dangerous, violent criminals on our streets." He continued, "For far too long, dangerous criminals have been allowed to roam the streets of D.C., posing a threat to the general public."
Comer addressed concerns about judicial discretion under existing laws: "Progressive, activist judges are currently allowed to release criminals to D.C.’s streets with only a promise that they will not re-offend and will return to court for their trial date."
He explained that the proposed legislation would change this approach: "The D.C. Cash Bail Reform Act would take away a judge’s ability to release these violent criminals." According to Comer, "It would require judges to hold anyone charged with a violent crime before trial, and it would impose cash bail or bail bonds on anyone charged with a range of public-safety or law-and-order offenses."
Comer described the bill as an overdue response: "This is a smart and long overdue reform that rectifies the ill-conceived policies currently enacted in the District." He concluded by urging colleagues' support and thanking both Representative Stefanik for her leadership and the National Fraternal Order of Police for backing the measure: "I urge all of my colleagues to support this common sense, public safety bill, and I thank Representative Stefanik for her leadership on this issue and the National Fraternal Order of Police for their support."
