Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 2096 - Protecting Our Nation's Capital Emergency Act of 2025

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(House Rules)
(Rep. Garbarino, R-NY, and three cosponsors)

The Administration strongly supports passage of H.R. 2096, the Protecting Our Nation's Capital Emergency Act of 2025 Act. Nationwide, law enforcement is facing a staffing and retention crisis, worsened by threats and demonization from elites and activists siding with criminals over our men and women in uniform. Sadly, under the Biden Administration, Washington, D.C. saw the highest number of homicides in the District since 1997. The District's failed policies opened the door to disorder - emboldening criminals and demoralizing our police force.

As our Nation shifts back to logic and law and order, we have to address the consequences of the crime crisis fueled by the previous administration's failed policies that have resulted in an understaffed Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Currently, the District of Columbia's MPD is critically understaffed, with fewer than 3,500 officers when at least 4,000 are needed - hitting a 50-year low. Public safety relies on a fully staffed and trained police force to protect communities and stand between dangerous criminals and innocent citizens. H.R. 2096 would address the unprecedented MPD staffing shortages and help curb crime by restoring law enforcement officers' collective bargaining rights, non-disclosure protections, and commonsense disciplinary protocols.

With the passage of this legislation our MPD officers will be able to focus more on keeping our streets safe, fulfilling President Trump's promise to make our Nation's capital safe and beautiful again. Answering the call to serve is no easy task for the police officers who risk their lives every day to protect us. This bill takes a step toward honoring the sacrifice made by law enforcement officers who serve and protect our Nation's capital. We strongly urge its swift passage.

If H.R. 2096 were presented to the President in its current form, his advisors would recommend that he sign it into law.