Message to the House of Representatives — President’s Veto of H.J. Res. 42

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

I am returning herewith without my approval H.J. Res. 42, a resolution that would disapprove the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.

     I believe we have an obligation to make sure that all our people are safe and that public safety depends on public trust.  It is a core policy of my Administration to provide law enforcement with the resources they need for effective, accountable community policing.

     While I do not support every provision of the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022, this resolution from congressional Republicans would overturn commonsense police reforms such as:  banning chokeholds; setting important restrictions on use of force and deadly force; improving access to body-worn camera recordings; and requiring officer training on de-escalation and use of force.

     The Congress should respect the District of Columbia’s right to pass measures that improve public safety and public trust.  I continue to call on the Congress to pass commonsense police reform legislation.

    Therefore, I am vetoing this resolution.

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    May 25, 2023.