House Republicans Set to Push D.C. Crime Legislation Amid Trump’s Crackdown Efforts
The House Oversight Committee is preparing to advance a series of crime-related bills targeting Washington, D.C., as part of President Trump’s broader effort to address city violence. These bills aim to combat juvenile crime, reform the education system, and end restrictive policing policies that hinder law enforcement effectiveness. The committee plans to hold a hearing on D.C. crime on Sept. 18, with D.C. officials set to testify.
The initiative comes after Trump’s announcement of federalizing D.C.’s police force for 30 days and deploying National Guard units to patrol the city. Trump has hailed these measures as critical to reducing crime and ensuring public safety. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer emphasized that Trump’s policies have significantly reduced crime in the district, claiming that the president’s swift actions have led to a dramatic drop in violent incidents.
The proposed legislation includes measures to address the education system, which Comer and other Republicans argue has contributed to a growing juvenile crime problem. The committee also plans to review policies that have limited law enforcement’s ability to conduct effective policing, such as restrictions on stop-and-frisk procedures and data sharing with federal agencies. These policies, critics argue, have created a bureaucratic barrier to effective crime prevention.
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a member of the committee, previously introduced a bill that would lower the age of criminal responsibility in D.C. from 24 to 18, effectively subjecting more adolescents to adult criminal proceedings. While this bill is part of the broader discussions, it remains unclear whether it will be included in the upcoming legislative package. The bill has drawn criticism from some Democrats, who argue that it could disproportionately affect minority youth.
Meanwhile, House Republicans are working with the White House to develop a comprehensive package of bills addressing broader issues of governance and crime in the nation’s capital. The effort is seen as part of a larger strategy to align with Trump’s vision for D.C. reform and to address systemic issues that have contributed to rising crime rates in the city. As the committee prepares to advance these proposals, the focus remains on making D.C. a safer place for residents and visitors.