Political Quotes

“I rise today in support of Bryan Steil's legislation, H.R. 8364, which extends the retirement waiver age for officers within the United States Capitol Police. Mr. Speaker, threats against lawmakers are at all-time highs. This weekend's events once again remind us of that reality. Although we have seen a welcome and much-needed increase in recruitment numbers, we continue to have staffing challenges within the United States Capitol Police. Together, these challenges have created difficult circumstances for those who work tirelessly to keep visitors, staff, and lawmakers safe. Under current law, officers are forced to retire at age 57, unless they receive a waiver from the Capitol Police Board. H.R. 8364 will extend that waiver timeline to 65. Right now, nearly 60 sworn officers are working on a waiver, which is the equivalent of more than two recruitment classes. Without this legislative change, they will all be forced to retire in the next few years. Under our legislation, the Capitol Police Board will have the authority to grant waivers to sworn officers until they reach the age of 65.”