Biggs Introduces Bill Extending Trump's Control of DC Police, End Cashless Bail

Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) is introducing legislation extending President Donald Trump's control of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police for six additional months to continue cracking down on crime and eliminating cashless bail.

Rep. Biggs previously announced he would introduce the bill earlier in August during an appearance on Fox News' Faulkner Focus, explaining that "It is the leaders of D.C. who have betrayed the people."

"They have allowed this to go on. They have unprosecuted crimes; the Metropolitan Police cannot make all of the arrests they need to make because they have not received support from the D.C. Council and the D.C. Mayor," Rep. Biggs added, "And what President Trump is doing is, he is giving them a pause here and giving them support."

Under the Home Rule Act of 1973, Trump can assume control of the Metropolitan Police for 30 days in an emergency. Any extensions must be approved by Congress, which is what the Arizona Congressman's bill does by amending the Home Rule Act to extend the 30-day limit to 180 days.

An additional measure seeks to eliminate cashless bail, which many argue makes prosecuting crimes more difficult.

"When our nation's capital faces lawlessness, violent crime, and breakdowns in public order, the federal government has a responsibility and a constitutional duty to act decisively," Biggs told Just The News, adding, "The District of Columbia is the seat of our federal government, the home of our institutions, and a symbol of American strength. Weak leadership at the local level too often leaves D.C. vulnerable to the chaos of the radical Left. President Trump has shown time and time again his commitment to restoring law and order in D.C. and across the country."

Earlier in August, Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) introduced a similar resolution to allow Trump control of the Metropolitan Police indefinitely, saying, "Our resolution is straightforward: if the President determines that continued federal control is necessary to keep D.C. safe, he should have the authority to do so. This is about restoring safety, enforcing the law, and cleaning up the streets of our capital city. We should not tie the President's hands when the stakes are this high."