House Natural Resources Committee backs HR 5103 to codify Trump-era DC cleanup policies; amendment in the nature of a substitute adopted

The House Natural Resources Committee on Monday voted to report HR 5103, the "Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act," to the full House after adopting an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Chair Westerman framed the bill as codifying a presidential executive order to clean up Washington, saying it would establish a federal commission and order the Interior Department to develop plans to "clean up Washington's popular tourism destinations."

Supporters argued the measure gives federal and local law enforcement clearer authority and tools to address crime, vandalism and encampments in National Park Service-managed spaces. "This legislation is essential to restoring law and order, renewing a sense of pride in our nation's capital," Chairman Westerman said in opening remarks. He cited statistics and recent incidents, including assaults on service members near the White House and vandalism at Union Station, as part of the bill's rationale.

Ranking Member Jared Huffman offered a pointed critique, calling the bill "a cynical partisan attack on the fundamental principle of home rule" and saying it would create a federally appointed commission "with no representation from the locally elected government." Huffman also highlighted that actions earlier this year by the majority reduced D.C.'s ability to spend locally raised tax revenues, creating a fiscal gap he said undermines local services. "This is not about safety," Huffman said.

The committee considered several amendments. Huffman proposed a $2 billion funding amendment to follow through on what he said was the administration's earlier pledge; he withdrew that amendment after debate. He also offered an amendment requiring public reporting by the U.S. Park Police on high-speed pursuits; proponents cited court records and crash statistics, but the chair and others opposed on grounds the reporting would burden operations. That amendment was not agreed to by voice vote and a recorded vote was requested and postponed.

After recessed votes and additional amendment consideration, the committee adopted the chair's amendment in the nature of a substitute and voted to report HR 5103 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. The committee clerk reported the final recorded tally as 26 ayes and 16 nays.

The committee's action sends HR 5103 to the House floor with the committee's recommendation; the legislation's prospects and any floor amendments will be decided by House leaders and floor managers. The committee also recorded members' notice of intent to file supplemental and minority views on the measure.