James Comer is Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. | https://oversight.house.gov/chairman-james-comer/
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer expressed his support for H.R. 5107, known as the Common-Sense Law Enforcement and Accountability Now in DC (CLEAN DC) Act. The bill, introduced by Representative Andrew Clyde, seeks to overturn the District of Columbia Council’s Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.
In prepared remarks delivered on November 19, 2025, Chairman Comer stated: "I support the CLEAN DC Act, which repeals the majority of D.C.’s so-called 'Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Act of 2022.' By repealing this anti-police law, we will make our nation’s capital safer. We will also restore the integrity of and faith in the law enforcement of the District of Columbia."
Comer argued that the current D.C. law limits police officers' ability to perform their duties effectively and safely. He said: "For instance, this law stripped law enforcement officers of many tools needed to execute their duties safely and without fear of retribution, as well as limited their options in situations of life or death."
He further commented on what he described as increased challenges for police: "It also created new opportunities for anti-police activists to harass law enforcement officers and added many undue burdens and requirements to officers in the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department."
According to Comer, efforts were previously made by both chambers of Congress to nullify the reform act through a joint resolution in 2023. However, "this resolution was vetoed by then-President Biden," he noted.
The CLEAN DC Act aims to address these concerns by reversing most aspects of D.C.’s policing reform legislation. Comer emphasized its potential impact: "The CLEAN DC Act would largely repeal D.C.’s anti-police law and ensure law enforcement officers have the tools to keep visitors and residents safe."
He also pointed out ongoing recruitment and retention issues within the Metropolitan Police Department: "By addressing the retention and recruitment crises gripping D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, Congress can do its part in helping boost the number of crime fighters this city desperately needs to keep violent criminals off the streets."
Concluding his remarks, Comer thanked Rep. Clyde for introducing the bill: "I thank Representative Clyde for leading this effort this Congress, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation."
