Chairman Bryan Steil delivered remarks on Apr. 22 during a Full Committee Markup of the House Administration Committee, focusing on proposed legislation to address staffing shortages within the U.S. Capitol Police.
The topic is significant as the U.S. Capitol Police faces ongoing personnel challenges that could impact security and operations at the Capitol complex.
Steil said, "Today, the Committee on House Administration will consider legislation to address staffing shortages with the U.S. Capitol Police." He noted that under current law, officers must retire at age 57 unless granted a waiver by the Capitol Police Board, which currently allows them to serve until age 60. The new bill would extend this waiver authority so officers could work until age 65 if approved by the board.
"Right now, nearly 60 sworn officers are working with a waiver," Steil said. "Without this change, they will all be forced to retire in the next few years." He emphasized that such retirements would equate to losing more than two recruitment classes and worsen existing staffing issues amid record threats against lawmakers.
Steil pointed out past precedent for similar measures: "In 2004 and in 2010, Congress temporarily raised the mandatory federal law enforcement retirement age from 60 to 65 to address staffing shortages at the FBI." He also thanked Ranking Member Joe Morelle for his collaboration on this bipartisan effort.
The House Administration Committee has enhanced security measures following major incidents such as September 11, 2001 and January 6, 2021 according to its official website. The committee forms part of the U.S. House of Representatives and participates in joint committees related to library and printing matters according to its official website. Its responsibilities include oversight of House operations, federal elections, and Capitol security according to its official website.
Additionally, it exercises jurisdiction over federal elections nationwide according to its official website and serves as a standing committee focused on administrative matters according to its official website. The committee played a key role in passing the Help America Vote Act in 2002 which provided over $3 billion for voting system improvements aimed at increasing accessibility and reducing fraud according to its official website.
Steil concluded his remarks by encouraging colleagues' support: "I encourage all of our colleagues here to support the legislation."
