Summary of HR 3439: Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act of 2025

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 3439

Title: Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act of 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced Date: May 15, 2025

Primary Sponsor: Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Cosponsor: Jared F. Golden

Purpose and Intent

The Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act of 2025 aims to address concerns regarding local government funding for police departments. The bill is designed to penalize cities that reduce their police funding by restricting their access to federal funds. The intent is to ensure that local law enforcement agencies are adequately funded to maintain public safety and order.

Key Provisions

• Funding Restrictions: The bill proposes that cities which choose to defund their police departments will face a reduction in federal funding. This includes various federal grants and financial assistance programs.

• Definition of Defunding: The bill does not provide a specific percentage or threshold for what constitutes "defunding," leaving it to be defined in subsequent regulations or interpretations.

• Enforcement Mechanism: The bill outlines a process for determining which cities have defunded their police and the corresponding federal funding penalties that would apply.

Affected Parties

• Local Governments: Cities that decide to reduce their police budgets will be directly impacted by the funding restrictions imposed by this bill.

• Law Enforcement Agencies: Police departments in affected cities may face budget shortfalls, which could hinder their operations and ability to serve the community.

• Federal Government: The bill will require federal agencies to monitor and enforce compliance, potentially increasing administrative responsibilities.

Legislative Process and Timeline

• Introduced in House: The bill was introduced on May 15, 2025.

• Referred to Committees: Upon introduction, HR 3439 was referred to:

  • The Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
  • The Committee on Financial Services.
  • The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Each committee will review the bill and its provisions, and a timeline for further consideration will be determined by the Speaker of the House.

Conclusion

HR 3439 seeks to reinforce federal support for police funding by penalizing cities that reduce their budgets for law enforcement. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for local governance and public safety will be closely monitored.