Jul. 11, 2022
HARRISBURG—Reps. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) and Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) today praised the formation of the House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order, an investigative select committee that will recommend remedies—including possible impeachment and potential policy changes due to local officials refusing to enforce state law in Philadelphia.
“The people of Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs have suffered from the prosecutorial negligence of a district attorney who refuses to fully prosecute crime,” White said. “Philadelphia is on track to surpass last year’s record homicide rate. The city is in crisis and the crime is leeching into the suburbs and throughout the state. I have complete faith in those chosen to serve on this committee. They will listen to those who testify and let the facts take us to the truth.”
Kail, who introduced
House Resolution 216 to create the committee, urged those chosen to serve to act promptly but judiciously. “We cannot forget that many lives have been lost and families crushed as a result of inaction and willful dereliction of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner,” Kail said. “I believe those chosen to serve will take their jobs seriously and weigh the information they gather fairly.”
After the House passed the resolution last week, Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) selected its five members, comprising of three Republicans and two Democrats. They include Reps. John Lawrence (R-Chester), Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks), Torren Ecker (R-Adams), Amen Brown (D-Philadelphia) and Danilo Burgos (D-Philadelphia). Lawrence will chair the committee.
The committee, which has subpoena powers, is expected to hold several hearings to take testimony from those impacted by decisions made by the Philadelphia district attorney’s office. It will issue a report at the end of its investigation and make recommendations that will be considered by the full House.
If the committee recommends the impeachment of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, articles of impeachment would be voted on by the House and, if passed, would be sent to the state Senate for a trial.