A group of Republican senators has introduced legislation aimed at removing restrictions on Washington, D.C. police operations, arguing that current rules have contributed to crime problems in Washington, D.C..
Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah led the effort to introduce the Common-Sense Law Enforcement and Accountability Now (CLEAN) D.C. Act, which targets a 2022 D.C. City Council law that changed how police operate in the district.
“For too long, Congress has failed to keep D.C. safe and allowed corrupt local officials to prioritize politics over people’s lives,” Mike Lee expressed. “The CLEAN D.C. Act is a step in the right direction as Congress reasserts its constitutional duty to safeguard D.C.”
The bill has backing from six Republican senators and one House Republican, along with endorsements from the D.C. Police Union and the Fraternal Order of Police.
What the Bill Would Do
The legislation would eliminate the D.C. Council's Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act, passed in 2022. That local law made several changes to police operations, including:
- Limiting specific police tactics that had been used for years
- Changing legal protections for officers
- Allowing public access to some police records
- Adding restrictions on how police handle protests and crowd control
Republican sponsors say these changes have made it harder for police to do their jobs effectively.
Background
In 2023, both the House and Senate passed a similar bill. President Joe Biden rejected it, and Democrats blocked it from becoming law. Now that President Donald Trump is in office, Republicans believe they can get it passed this time.
President Donald Trump has also made law enforcement a key part of his agenda and is expected to sign such legislation if it reaches his desk.
Recent Engagement
Sen. Ted Cruz argued that Washington, D.C., has seen increased violent crime as a result of what he called "political and ideological decisions made by Democrats." He said the 2022 reforms hurt police morale and made it harder to keep officers on the force.
Mike Lee said in a press release that Congress has failed to keep D.C. safe and needs to use its constitutional authority over the federal district more actively.
The D.C. Police Union chairman, Gregg Pemberton, called the 2022 reforms "misguided and harmful," saying they have "enabled lawlessness" and driven away police officers.
Congressional Authority
Republican senators have introduced several bills this year targeting D.C. administration, including measures that would increase congressional oversight of city council meetings.
The bill now needs to work its way through the legislative process. Republicans control both chambers of Congress, which allows for a better chance than similar efforts during the previous administration.
However, the legislation would still need to overcome potential Democratic opposition and align with federal and local authority in the nation's capitol.
