The House of Representatives has passed two new bills on law enforcement. The bills are meant to support law enforcement through new programs. Rep. Hank Johnson has reintroduced his bill boosting public transportation.
The first bill passed by the House was House Resolution (HR) 2255. This bill requires the General Services Administration to establish a program under which a federal law enforcement officer may purchase a retired firearm from the agency that issued it to the officer.
HR 2255 doesn’t do much else. It is a pretty simple bill.
The second bill passed by the House was HR 2240. This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report on three things impacting law enforcement.
The DOJ must report on targeted attacks on law enforcement officers and the feasibility of incorporating such attacks into existing crime reporting systems. It also needs to report on the mental health resources that are available to law enforcement officers.
Johnson’s bill was introduced in January of 2024, but has now been brought back to the floor. It is HR 7039, also known as the Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act.
HR 7039 requires the Department of Transportation to establish a new grant program. This program would support operating projects for public transportation and related service improvements.
These improvements would be targeted towards underserved communities and areas of persistent poverty.
The bill provides an increased federal cost share for operating assistance for projects or programs carried out in areas of persistent poverty or underserved communities. Johnson clarified on X that this increased federal allotment would amount to $20 billion.
Johnson commented on X, “I am proud to re-introduce the Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act. Transit in our communities is as essential as food on our tables and clothes on our backs.”
Johnson also described the bill as a game-changer. Another aspect of this bill is that it boosts the number of buses and trains available. Alongside this change, HR 7039 increases the number of routes available to underserved communities.
