The Committee on House Administration unanimously advanced H.R. 8364, a bipartisan bill that would increase the retirement age for United States Capitol Police officers, according to an April 22 announcement.
The legislation is intended to address staffing concerns and retain experienced personnel at a time when threats against lawmakers and staff are reported to be high. Under current law, sworn officers must retire at age 57 unless granted a waiver by the Capitol Police Board, which allows them to serve until age 60. The new bill would raise this maximum waived retirement age from 60 to 65.
Chairman Bryan Steil said, “At a time when threats against lawmakers and staff are at a record high, it’s important we give USCP the flexibility they need to keep visitors, staff, and lawmakers safe. No officer should be forced to retire when they can still do the job. I’m grateful to Ranking Member Morelle for his collaboration on this important legislation.” Ranking Member Joe Morelle said, “The men and women of the United States Capitol Police have one of the most important and challenging jobs in the Legislative Branch. The Department cannot afford to lose a substantial number of experienced, fully capable officers solely because they reach an arbitrary age threshold. This is a prudent, targeted step to preserve experience, maintain staffing, and help ensure the Department has the workforce it needs. For those reasons, I supported the bill.”
Nearly sixty sworn officers are currently working under retirement waivers—a number greater than two USCP recruitment classes combined—according to committee data included in their statement.
According to the official website, the House Administration Committee has previously enhanced security measures at the Capitol following events such as September 11 attacks in 2001 and January 6 incident in 2021. The committee serves as part of joint committees on Library and Printing within the U.S. House of Representatives according to its official site. It also oversees House operations including federal elections and security as noted by its official website.
The committee played an instrumental role in passing significant legislation like the Help America Vote Act in 2002 that provided over $3 billion for voting system improvements nationwide according to its official site. Jurisdiction over federal elections remains one of its primary responsibilities as described by its official site.
H.R. 8364 will now move forward for consideration by the full House of Representatives.
