The introduction of the Lawless Cities Accountability Act of 2025 marks a significant development in law enforcement advocacy. Endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), this legislation is a response to growing concerns about the lack of support for law enforcement in certain jurisdictions. The Act, designated as H.R. 3920, aims to ensure federal funds are withheld from areas that fail to maintain law and order due to local policies restricting police action during times of chaos.
State and local officials who prevent law enforcement from effectively addressing unrest and violence have faced criticism from various quarters. The NPA argues that such actions are a betrayal of the communities they serve, highlighting that taxpayers should not finance jurisdictions that refuse to uphold law and order. The bill provides clear criteria for what constitutes a 'lawless' jurisdiction—areas where police are ordered to stand down, strategic posts are abandoned, or funding for police is diminished.
Paula Fitzsimmons, the Legislative Director of the NPA, articulated the essential obligations of state and local officials: "When pandemonium breaks out in a community, state and local officials are obligated to restore law and order. Achieving this state requires fostering positive partnerships with the police, not working to limit or remove their ability to enforce the law." This stance is vital in maintaining community safety and restoring public trust in law enforcement bodies.
Under the new bill, any jurisdiction designated as lawless would be cut off from federal funding for a minimum of 180 days, or longer if peace is not reestablished. This punitive measure aims to drive home the importance of responsible governance and accountability.
The sponsors of the bill include Representative Nancy Mace from South Carolina, alongside Brandon Gill from Texas and Tony Wied from Wisconsin, who stand firm in their belief that administrations failing to uphold the law should not benefit from taxpayer funds. Their commitment is to prioritize the rule of law and penalize areas fostering chaos and disorder.
The Lawless Cities Accountability Act seeks to empower the U.S. Attorney General to determine unruly jurisdictions legally. This authority will facilitate swift action against cities that undermine safety by adopting anti-law enforcement policies. Fitzsimmons emphasized, "By withholding federal funds from jurisdictions that foster anarchy, Americans can rest assured that their taxes will not be used to reward reckless governance. Accepting anything less is antithetical to our nation's core tenet of liberty."
In closing, the NPA encourages citizens to support pro-law enforcement legislation by joining their 'Call to Action' initiative, which keeps constituents informed about critical bills and the legislators backing them.
Founded with the mission of advocating for law enforcement and educating the public, the NPA remains at the forefront of promoting policies that enhance safety and uphold legal standards across the United States. For further information about their initiatives and advocacy efforts, visit
NationalPolice.org.