House Committee Calls for D.C. Officials to Testify
A House committee has requested testimony from Washington, D.C. officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, shortly after President Donald Trump declared federal intervention in the city.
The House Oversight Committee announced on Monday that it will summon Bowser, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Council Chairman Phil Mendelson to appear before a Republican-led panel.
Trump Activates National Guard Amid Crime Concerns
The hearing is scheduled for September, when lawmakers return from a break. This follows Trump’s announcement that he would put local police under federal control and deploy national security forces in Washington.
James Comer, the chair of the House Oversight Committee, commended Trump for what he described as the “right use of enforcement power” to address crime and restore order. He emphasized that protecting Americans and fighting crime are key conservative priorities.
Interestingly, crime rates in the district have actually seen a decline this year. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime has decreased by 26% compared to last year. Additionally, incidents involving dangerous weapons are down by 20%, and murders reduced by 12%.
Details on Trump’s Plans to Federalize D.C. Forces
Earlier today, Trump declared a public safety emergency in D.C. and invoked parts of the D.C. Home Rules Act, which allows him to gain more control over local police for up to 48 hours.
In his remarks, Trump criticized the current state of the city, claiming it has been overrun by gangs and violent criminals. “We’re not going to let this happen anymore,” he stated during a press conference at the White House.
However, to maintain control beyond the initial 48 hours, Trump will require approval from both the House Oversight Committee and the Senate’s Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs.
If he wants to extend his authority for up to 30 days, he just needs to notify the committee. But for anything longer, he’ll need a joint resolution from both the House and the Senate.
A spokesperson for the Oversight Committee mentioned that the White House had already communicated its intention to exceed the 48-hour limit.
Attempts to reach the Senate Homeland Security Committee for comments have not been successful thus far.
