The House passed a bill Wednesday to establish a federal commission on public safety in Washington, DC, and encourage “maximum enforcement” of immigration laws in the capital city.
The chamber voted 218-206 on the measure (
Under the bill, a new commission of federal officials would develop policies to encourage immigration enforcement in DC, which could include redirecting federal, state, or local law enforcement to carry out arrests and deportations. The commission also would be required to increase the speed and lower costs to process concealed carry license requests, and facilitating “more robust” law enforcement presence in DC public spaces and parks.
The bill also would create a new Interior Department program to coordinate and maintain cleanliness around the city.
House Republicans have touted the bill, as well as Trump’s order and efforts to ramp up law enforcement presence, as necessary to tamp down crime in DC.
“Our nation’s capital is a direct reflection of our great country,” Rep.
House Democrats and city officials have said the legislation erodes DC home rule, and pointed to a lack of local representation on the commission.
In a joint statement in November, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and other city officials said DC residents “deserve the right to elect local leaders who have the authority to determine the local policies that govern them.”
To contact the reporter on this story:
To contact the editors responsible for this story: