Terminating the emergency determined by the President on August 11, 2025, in the Executive Order titled Declaring a crime emergency in the District of Columbia.
Summary
This joint resolution aims to terminate the emergency declared by the President on August 11, 2025, concerning crime in the District of Columbia. The resolution argues that the President has not justified the use of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for federal purposes. It also asserts that the District of Columbia Home Rule Act does not authorize the President to federalize the MPD.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this resolution would end the President's declared emergency and limit the President's authority over the MPD. The District of Columbia would regain full control over its police force and its allocated budget for public safety.
Potential Benefits
- Restores local control over the Metropolitan Police Department to the District of Columbia.
- Allows the District of Columbia to utilize its full budget for public safety initiatives.
- Reinforces the principles of self-governance and home rule for the District.
- Checks potential overreach of executive power in local affairs.
- Addresses concerns about the federal government's intervention in local law enforcement matters.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potentially reduces federal resources available to address crime in the District of Columbia, if the emergency declaration was providing such resources.
- May hinder coordinated federal-local responses to future emergencies if the relationship between the federal government and MPD is strained.
- Could be perceived as weakening the federal government's ability to ensure public safety in the nation's capital.
- Possible political conflict between the executive and legislative branches.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution references Section 740(b) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which grants Congress the power to legislate for the District of Columbia. Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever over the District of Columbia. The resolution's attempt to limit presidential power aligns with the principle of checks and balances.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).