Press Releases

WASHINGTON—House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) voted in favor of Rep. Andrew Garbarino’s (R-N.Y.) bill—H.R. 2096, Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act—to reverse Biden-era ‘defund the police’ policies and equip law enforcement officers with the resources they need to do their jobs.

Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Garbarino issued the following statements after the U.S. House passed H.R. 2096:

“The violence we are seeing in Los Angeles and around our country is a clear example of why we need to support our law enforcement in all capacities. They are putting their lives on the line to protect us,” Chairwoman McClain said. “The Biden administration’s, efforts to defund the police have led to more violence and rising crime rates in places like Washington, D.C. In contrast, House Republicans are committed to supporting our brave law enforcement officers and addressing workforce and retention challenges. I thank Rep. Garbarino for leading this crucial effort to reverse harmful ‘defund the police’ policies.”

“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. The Metropolitan Police Department is facing a public safety crisis brought on by reckless policies that have stripped officers of basic protections and left the force dangerously understaffed,” Rep. Garbarino said. “This legislation helps right that wrong by giving MPD the tools and support they need to recruit, retain, and protect. Congress has a duty to ensure our nation's capital is safe, and today’s vote sends a clear message: we back the badge, and we refuse to let violent crime take over D.C.”

H.R. 2096 reverses provisions of D.C.'s Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Specifically, it restores the Metro Police Department officer union's ability to bargain on disciplinary matters and re-establish clear timelines for carrying out discipline for alleged officer misconduct.