H.R.2711 - Invest to Protect Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2711, the Invest to Protect Act of 2025, aims to establish a grant program within the Department of Justice to assist local law enforcement agencies. The bill focuses on providing resources for training, mental health support, and recruitment/retention of officers in smaller local governments and Tribal governments. It authorizes appropriations of $50 million annually from 2027 through 2031.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely result in increased funding for local law enforcement agencies, particularly those with fewer than 175 officers. This could lead to improved training, better mental health resources for officers, and enhanced recruitment and retention efforts. Ultimately, the goal is to improve community safety and policing practices.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced de-escalation training for law enforcement officers.
- Improved access to mental health resources for officers, addressing potential stress and trauma.
- Increased recruitment and retention of qualified law enforcement personnel.
- Victim-centered training for handling domestic violence situations.
- Data collection for police practices relating to officer and community safety.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse of funds if oversight and accountability measures are not strictly enforced.
- The focus on smaller agencies might neglect the needs of larger, urban police departments.
- The grant program could create administrative burdens for both the Department of Justice and the local governments applying for funds.
- There is a risk that the funds may not be distributed equitably across all eligible jurisdictions.
- The long-term effectiveness of the training and recruitment initiatives may be difficult to measure.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of ensuring domestic tranquility and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. The grant program falls under Congress's power to provide for the general welfare through taxation and spending, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this bill does not appear to infringe on state powers, as it provides grants to local entities on a voluntary basis.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).