House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) opened a markup session today to discuss legislation aimed at improving safety and aesthetics in Washington, D.C. The proposed measures seek to give District law enforcement more tools to address juvenile crime, expand educational opportunities for local children, and maintain the city’s appearance.
“Crime in the District of Columbia has recently reached levels unseen since the violent era of the early-1990s,” Comer said in his prepared remarks. He noted that “juvenile crime has reportedly more than doubled the national average as of February 2024.”
Comer criticized policies from the D.C. Attorney General and D.C. Council, stating that their approach has led to increased school absences and allowed offenders to be released, contributing to rising juvenile and violent crime rates. He also pointed out that recent anti-law enforcement rhetoric and restrictive policing laws have made it harder for the Metropolitan Police Department to retain and recruit officers.
In response, Comer highlighted actions taken by President Trump: “President Trump, in response, has made sweeping moves to bring federal law enforcement resources into the District and exercise existing authorities under the Home Rule Act to direct local law enforcement to combat the crime crisis.”
He continued: “Like President Trump, House Republicans are committed to restoring law and order in our Nation’s capital city.”
The Home Rule Act of 1973 gives D.C. a measure of self-governance but allows Congress broad authority over local affairs. “Under the Home Rule Act, Congress retains the right to enact legislation for D.C. on any subject, including legislation to amend or repeal any law in force in the District...and any act passed by the D.C. Council,” Comer explained.
“Today, this Committee will exercise this authority to consider several pieces of legislation to reinforce President Trump’s efforts to make D.C. safe again,” he added.
Comer concluded: “Every resident and visitor deserves to feel safe in our Nation’s capital and today this Committee will fulfill its constitutional duty to oversee District affairs and make D.C. safe again.” He urged his colleagues’ support for what he called necessary legislative action.
James Comer is currently serving as U.S. Representative for Kentucky’s 1st district after replacing Ed Whitfield in 2016. Before joining Congress, he served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2001 until 2012. Born in Carthage, Tennessee in 1972, Comer now lives in Tompkinsville and graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree.
