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House Natural Resources Committee backs bill to expand federal role in Washington, D.C.; passage reported 26-16
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Summary
The House Committee on Natural Resources voted to report HR 5103, the "Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act," after debate and amendments. Supporters said it codifies federal efforts to reduce crime and restore public spaces; opponents argued it undermines D.C. home rule.
Chairman Westerman opened the markup by calling HR 5103 to the floor, describing the bill as a measure to "make Washington DC safe and beautiful again" by creating a special commission and directing the Interior Department to implement cleanup plans across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
The bill would, according to the chair, codify key elements of an earlier executive order and provide a statutory framework for cooperation between federal and local law enforcement. "HR 5103 would permanently . . . add permanent statutory authority and accountability to President Trump's long overdue beautification order and quite literally make Washington DC safe and beautiful again," the chair said.
Ranking Member Huffman led Democratic opposition, calling the bill "deceptively titled" and arguing it "dismantle[s] and belittle[s] the D.C. government" by creating a federally appointed body without local representation. Huffman also noted funding changes made elsewhere in congressional action that, he said, would constrain the District's ability to fund local priorities.
The committee debated several amendments to the bill. Ranking Member Huffman offered an amendment to authorize $2 billion to support District services; he withdrew that amendment after debate. Huffman later offered a measure (Huffman No. 2) requiring public reporting by the U.S. Park Police on high-speed pursuits that result in crashes, injuries or fatalities. Supporters of the reporting amendment said it would improve transparency and officer safety; opponents called it burdensome and unnecessary. The voice vote on Huffman No. 2 produced a ruling that "the noes have it," and a recorded vote was requested and postponed.
The committee ultimately adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute and voted to report HR 5103, as amended, to the House with a favorable recommendation. The clerk reported the electronic tally as yeas 26, nays 16.
Why it matters: Supporters framed the bill as a response to violent incidents and vandalism in D.C.'s public spaces and as a way to ensure cooperative federal-local law enforcement. Opponents framed it as a federal encroachment on D.C.'s home rule and a partisan effort that could complicate the District's local finance and governance.
What’s next: The measure was ordered reported to the House with the committee's recommendation and will move to the House calendar for further consideration.
