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Trump, House GOP Push Bills To Extend Federal Crime Crackdown in D.C.

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President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are preparing legislation to expand his administration’s authority to extend federal control over Washington, D.C.’s police force and broaden crime reduction measures in the capital, as reported [1] by Fox News.

A GOP leadership aide told Fox News Digital that House Republicans are working with the White House on a legislative package “to fix the many problems with D.C. governance and crime.”

The discussions follow Trump’s Truth Social post early Wednesday morning, in which he wrote, “House and Senate leaders are working with me, and other Republicans, on a Comprehensive Crime Bill. It’s what our country needs, and NOW! More to follow.”

Currently, under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973, the president may federalize D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department for 48 hours, with the ability to extend that to 30 days if congressional committees are notified.

Any period beyond that requires a resolution passed by both chambers of Congress. The act does not restrict how long federal forces can be deployed in the capital.

Several Republican lawmakers are seeking to amend the statute to give Trump extended authority. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) introduced a bill on August 13 that would allow the president to continue federalization of D.C.’s police “as long as it takes” to restore safety.

Ogles said House leadership reacted positively to the proposal. “I sent it to [House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.] after we drafted it.

He liked the proposal, so when we get back, we’ll sort through the various ideas and approaches and see which one is best,” Ogles told Fox News Digital.

Ogles’ bill would eliminate the 30-day limit while still requiring the White House to notify Congress every 30 days about the justification for continued federalization.

Other Republicans have offered similar measures. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said her bill would allow Trump to extend control of the D.C. police for as long as needed.

“The fact is, is that, you know, we do have home rule. It’s well within our right and authority. And frankly, we’re doing it not just for us, but also for the actual civilians in the Washington, D.C., area,” Luna said.

Image Credit: © Jack Gruber-USA TODAY [4]
Feb 7, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Feb. 7, 2023; Washington, DC, USA. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) during the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing on border and immigration issues on February 7, 2023 in Washington. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) has introduced legislation that would extend federal control for a six-month period.

The push comes after the Trump administration reported a sharp decrease in homicides in Washington since federalized policing began. Officials have suggested the approach could soon be extended to other U.S. cities struggling with crime.

Democrats have criticized the measures, accusing Trump of undermining D.C.’s autonomy. However, administration officials argue that the federal government has unique authority over the capital and must ensure public safety.

A White House official told Fox News Digital, “Efforts to address some of the underlying causes of the D.C. crime problem will be a topic of sustained focus for the administration, as well as other issues, such as maintenance, transportation and beautification.

That includes working with all levels of government, executive branch, legislative branch, and Washington, D.C., to ensure that the capital city of the greatest nation on earth is the envy of the world.”