Biden empowers Capitol Police to request National Guard assistance without consulting others
Rioters clash with police trying to enter Capitol building through the front doors. (lev radin / Shutterstock.com)
December 22, 2021
President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed legislation to allow the Capitol Police to directly request the assistance of the National Guard.
The bipartisan legislation titled "Capitol Police Emergency Assistance Act of 2021" was passed following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The new law empowers "the Chief of the United States Capitol Police to unilaterally request the assistance of the DC National Guard or Federal law enforcement agencies in emergencies without prior approval of the Capitol Police Board."
The bill was passed by both the House and the Senate without opposition.
In a statement, the president thanked senators from both parties for their leadership.
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