Congressional hearing spotlights federal surge, local reforms and budget strains in Washington, D.C.

House Oversight Committee members questioned Washington, D.C., leaders on the causes of and responses to a recent spike in violent crime and a federal deployment to the city, while also debating whether local laws and underfunding contributed to the deterioration.

Chairman James Comer opened the hearing by citing data he said followed a federal surge: "Since President Trump mobilized the National Guard and took control of the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime has decreased 39%," he said, and asked witnesses how Congress and federal agencies should help sustain crime reductions.

The committee heard from Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwab and Gregory Jackson, the former deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Bowser told the panel she had sent the council D.C.'s "thirtieth consecutive balanced budget with no new taxes or fees" and argued the city had driven down a 2023 spike in violence with local efforts and regional partnerships. "The state of the district is strong," Bowser said, while urging continued federal help on officer recruitment, federal reimbursements and homelessness services.

Mendelson pushed back on Congressional criticism of the council's recent policy changes, saying, "Political rhetoric notwithstanding, criminal activity has been on the decline, with…