House passes bill to extend DC crime task force until Trump’s term ends

The House of Representatives passed a bill to extend the Washington, D.C., crime task force until President Trump’s term ends.The bill passed on Wednesday in a 218-206 vote, with five Democrats joining Republicans, The Washington Post reported.
The legislation, which has yet to pass the Senate, would codify the executive order that Trump signed last March, creating the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. Trump directed the task force to coordinate with the Metropolitan Police Department, do beautification projects across the capital, and implement “maximum enforcement” of federal immigration law.
Trump’s executive order eventually resulted in his seizure of the MPD in August, after declaring a 30-day crime emergency while also deploying the National Guard to the city.
Ahead of the U.S.’s 250th birthday celebration this summer, Trump has focused on “beautifying” the nation’s capital by restoring broken fountains and removing graffiti and homeless encampments from federal property.
Rep. John McGuire, R-Va., the sponsor of the bill, said it was about “ensuring there isn’t a backslide into lawlessness in the city,” while he blamed the D.C. Council for “reckless” criminal justice policies.
“When people visit D.C. they should feel safe taking in the scenery and historic landmarks, not scared to walk two blocks because of the crime or confronted with a homeless encampment while walking on the National Mall,” McGuire said.
Violent crime decreased by 12% from this time last year, according to MPD data.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the Trump administration is continuing to “coordinate closely with local officials to enhance operations and keep all members of the community safe.”
Jackson credited the crime task force for more than 10,000 arrests and over 1,000 illegal-gun seizures since last year, as of February.
“President Trump’s bold actions in DC have made the city safer and more beautiful for all residents and visitors, with crime rates rapidly declining across the board in all categories,” she said.

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