House Republicans are bringing in D.C.’s top officials today for what’s sure to be a blockbuster hearing about President Donald Trump’s efforts to clean up crime in the District.
Republicans are eager to tout Trump’s move to send National Guard troops into D.C. and take over the police department, calling for a crackdown on crime. Trump suggested this month he could “federalize” D.C. and go beyond control of local police.
That’s the climate D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Attorney General Brian Schwalb, all Democrats, will have to contend with at the House Oversight Committee this morning.
“Key takeaway — what President Trump’s done, it’s been very successful,” Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the House Judiciary Committee chair, said.
Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) plans to hail Trump’s D.C. security campaign in his opening remarks.
“This body must ensure that the progress made by the President’s recent actions endures,” Comer will say.
Still, D.C. officials will find some sympathy on the GOP side.
“They have a history of not doing what’s right, and I feel like maybe [Bowser’s] trying to,” Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said. “She’s in the deep end, and we’ve got to throw her a lifeline.”
D.C.’s delegate. The hearing will be a major test for Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.). The 88-year-old is the No. 2 Democrat on Oversight.
But Norton hasn’t been a major factor amid the political fight around the District. Norton was largely quiet as other members sparred over D.C.-focused bills in Oversight last week, per the New York Times. And even Norton’s closest allies are now publicly calling on her to retire next year amid questions about her ability to do the job.
There will be a lot of attention on how Norton navigates the spotlight today. A spokesperson declined to provide a comment.
