D.C. Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Reclaim Control Over National Guard and Police

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Senator Chris Van Hollen have taken decisive action to counter President Trump's federalization of the D.C. police department and deployment of the National Guard. Building on their August announcement, the lawmakers have introduced bills to grant the District of Columbia full control over its National Guard and police force, echoing the authority enjoyed by states and territories. This move comes amid ongoing concerns about the Trump Administration's assertion of federal control and reported plans to extend the National Guard's deployment until November 30.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bills, introduced by Congresswoman Norton and Senator Van Hollen, aim to grant the District of Columbia full control over its National Guard and police department.
  • The District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act would repeal the provision in the Home Rule Act that gives the President the authority to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department.
  • The District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act would name the mayor of Washington, D.C. as Commander-in-Chief of the D.C. National Guard, mirroring the authority of governors in states and territories.
  • The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is expected to mark up several such bills, which would modify or repeal local D.C. laws, next week.
  • Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) is co-lead in the House of the National Guard bill.
  • The bills address the concerns surrounding President Trump's federalization of the D.C. police department and deployment of the National Guard, which the lawmakers see as an attack on the District's self-governance.

Statistics:

  • The estimated $1 billion in D.C. funds, frozen by Republicans through their funding bill in March, remains inaccessible to the District.
  • The National Guard's deployment is expected to extend until November 30.
  • President Trump's actions on the national guard and police department are seen as a power grab by D.C.'s lawmakers.

Sources:

  • [Source: Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton's official press release]
  • [Source: Senator Chris Van Hollen's official statement]
  • [Source: Home Rule Act, referenced in the press release]