# Capitol Police Emergency Assistance Act of 2021

This bill gives the U.S. Capitol Police the ability to request help from other law enforcement agencies during emergencies without having to go through the normal approval process. Normally, when the Capitol Police need backup from federal agencies like the National Guard or other police forces, there are specific procedures and chains of command they have to follow. This bill streamlines that process so they can get assistance faster when there's an urgent security threat.

The practical effect is that during a crisis at the Capitol—whether it's a security breach, large-scale disturbance, or other emergency—the Capitol Police leadership can directly call for reinforcements from neighboring police departments, federal agencies, or the National Guard without delays. Instead of waiting for approvals to work their way through multiple levels of bureaucracy, they can mobilize resources immediately to protect the building and the people inside it.

For most Americans, this bill doesn't directly affect daily life. However, it does matter for Capitol staff, members of Congress, and visitors to the Capitol building, as it theoretically makes the building more secure during emergencies. The bill essentially recognizes that in a true crisis situation, speed matters more than following standard procedures, and it gives Capitol Police commanders the authority to make quick decisions about requesting backup without being held up by red tape.

Capitol Police Emergency Assistance Act of 2021

Klobuchar, Amy

Capitol Police Emergency Assistance Act of 2021 This bill allows the chief of the U.S. Capitol Police to request emergency assistance from executive departments and executive agencies to prevent significant disruption of governmental function and public order at the U.S. Capitol. The bill also eliminates statutory qualification and approval requirements for law enforcement and uniformed service personnel appointed to serve as special police officers, including during periods of emergency initiated by the chief under the bill. Further, special police regulations prescribed by the U.S. Capitol Police Board are subject to approval by the Speaker of the House and Senate majority leader under the bill. Those regulations are subject to approval by the Speaker and the President pro tempore of the Senate under current law. Finally, the bill requires the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the House Committee on House Administration to jointly conduct at least one oversight hearing of the U.S. Capitol Police Board during each Congress.