WASHINGTON: Today, the Committee on House Administration unanimously advanced H.R. 8364, bipartisan legislation authorizing an increase in the retirement age for United States Capitol Police officers.  

 
"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," said Chairman Bryan Steil (WI-01). "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."

"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," said Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25). "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."

Background:

Under current law, sworn officers are forced to retire at the age of 57 unless they receive a waiver from the Capitol Police Board. A waiver allows an officer to continue working until they are 60. 
 
H.R. 8364 will raise the waived retirement age for USCP officers from 60 to 65.  

Nearly 60 sworn officers are currently working on a retirement waiver. This figure is more than the size of two USCP recruitment classes. 
 
The legislation will now be considered by the full House of Representatives. 

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