(FixThisNation.com) – Republican Reps. Matt Rosendale (Montana), Byron Donalds (Florida), and Andy Ogles (Texas) had introduced legislation that would stop Washington, D.C., from operating as an independent local government by repealing the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The legislation would also give authority over the area back to Congress.
On Friday, Ogles told the Washington Examiner that during the first five days of this month, there were 13 homicides in the country’s capital. He further argued that the city is overrun with drugs, theft, crime, riots, and homelessness. This is why it is necessary for Congress to gain back authority over the Nation’s capital and once again make the area safe. He added that the introduction of the Seat of Government Act was going to do exactly that.
The Home Rule Act was passed in 1973 and while it did not stop the district from being constitutionally under Congress it did allow for it to create its own mayorship and council. Congress is still responsible for signing the actions decided by the district, but until recently it was rare for Congress to supersede the council and mayor.
However, earlier this year Congress blocked an attempt made by the city to change the criminal code of D.C. and to reduce the penalties for several violent crimes. This decision was shot down by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in March. Republicans have since then made references to the 37 percent increase in homicides as a reason for the city to be under the control of Congress again.
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