Aug. 23, 2022
HARRISBURG – Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester/Lancaster), chairman of the House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order, released the following statement earlier today regarding recent developments relating to subpoenas duly issued by the chairman:
“It is disappointing, but perhaps not surprising, that some have chosen to stonewall the work of the Select Committee,” said Lawrence. “Bogus attacks against this committee, a committee empowered by a bipartisan majority of the House and acting under clear constitutional authority, are particularly troubling.
“This is not the first time an elected official has attempted to evade accountability by snubbing legitimate legislative oversight,” added Lawrence. “Information gathering is an important step in accomplishing the committee’s obligations to the people of Pennsylvania. As chairman, I will pursue compliance with duly authorized subpoenas as necessary. Baseless efforts to needlessly delay, discredit or disparage this work will not deter the committee from fulfilling its duties.”
House Resolution 216 established the Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order to investigate, review and make legislative findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives regarding the rising rates of crime in the City of Philadelphia; the city’s use of public funds intended for law enforcement and prosecuting crime; the enforcement of crime victim rights in Philadelphia; and the use of public funds for the purpose of benefitting the city’s crime victims. The resolution authorizes the chairman to subpoena information relevant to the committee’s work.
Representative John Lawrence
13th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives