CHAIRMAN ROBERT A. BRADY EXAMINES THE MERGER OF CAPITOL POLICE & LIBRARY OF CONGRESS POLICE FORCE

(Washington, D.C.) In a move that he characterized as "long-overdue," Chairman Robert A. Brady 

of the Committee on House Administration sounded the gavel today on a Hearing to review potential terms for the merger of the Capitol and Library of Congress (LOC) police forces. "I am pleased that after much prodding from this Committee in the last six months, the Capitol Police and the Library of Congress Police have finally worked through the issues, and just last week finalized their recommendations for implementing this merger," said Chairman Brady.

Chairman Brady expressed the desire to review the recommendations as the first step toward passing new legislation on the merger. Addressing the witnesses, he noted, "My dad was a police officer, and I want to assure you that I understand and respect the job you do. We are all very grateful for your service to the Members and the people of America who visit our nation's Capitol." He also expressed the desire to work closely with all parties to assure a seamless and fair transition in the merger.

Witnesses at the hearing included House Sergeant at Arms Wilson Livingood, Capitol Police Chief Phillip D. Morse, Sr., Chief Operating Officer of the LOC Jo Ann C. Jenkins, and Chairman of the Fraternal Order of Police LOC Labor Committee, Michael Hutchins. All the witnesses expressed support for the idea of the merger, though some expressed reservations remaining to be worked out.Following the testimony, Chairman Brady stated his commitment to ensure that Library police officers will be able to move into the U.S. Capitol Police system in a fair and equitable manner. Following his inquiry regarding how many of the officers would be affected by the new physical and training requirements, other Members asked for definite information on the number and ages of the officers who might not be eligible for transfer. The Library witnesses agreed to provide the Committee further documentation detailing the status of officers affected by the merger.

##

The Committee on House Administration of the U.S. House of Representatives is charged with the oversight of Federal elections, the Capitol Police, Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress and the day-to-day functions of the House of Representatives.