We Can’t Make America Great Again Without Restoring Our Nation’s Capital

While America is experiencing a renaissance under President Trump’s leadership, our nation’s capital remains trapped in Biden-era decline.

A walk through downtown D.C. reveals a troubling reality: scattered shopping carts, tent encampments, shuttered restaurants, and streets plagued by lawlessness. The city’s economy continues to suffer from the overly permissive federal telework policies implemented during the Biden administration, leaving our capital hollow and struggling.

Now is the time for Congress to fulfill its Article One responsibilities and exercise proper oversight of Washington, D.C., and make the District of Columbia safe and beautiful again.

Congress has stepped up to address this challenge. The House took an important first step in June by passing the Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act which restores due process protections for D.C. police officers. Additionally, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, whose committee holds constitutional jurisdiction over the District, has announced plans to convene a hearing this September with D.C. government leaders to demand answers and accountability.

These initial efforts represent important progress, but they are only the beginning of what must be a comprehensive response to restore lasting order to our nation’s capital.

As the Chair of the Republican Study Committee’s Article One Task Force, I am leading our efforts to restore the rightful constitutional authorities of Congress — including the clear constitutional authority for Congress to govern the District.

An egregious example of the lack of transparency in government systems is the failed and radical D.C. City Council. Not only has the Council implemented left-wing policies that prioritize criminals and illegal aliens over law-abiding citizens, but the Council voted to permit secret meetings — a blatant attempt to circumvent accountability.

We will not stand for this deception. This is a clear attempt to hide the Democrats’ smoke and mirror activities — not only from their residents, but from Congress. Legislation that I introduced alongside Senator Mike Lee would ensure D.C. officials are accountable to the public and Congress, so they can no longer hide behind closed-door meetings. The American people deserve transparency, not backroom deals and political scheming.

The stakes for getting this right could not be higher. Washington, D.C. will soon host significant national events, including the America 250 celebration in 2026 and the National Football League Draft in 2027. D.C. officials estimate millions will attend these events. Travelers deserve a safe, clean, and beautiful city to visit.

Beyond these marquee events, students from across the country and thousands of international tourists visit the National Mall daily. These visitors — and our nation — deserve better. The capital city should serve as the crown jewel of our country, inspiring pride and reflecting our values. Today’s D.C. has been anything but that. 

President Trump’s Executive Order on “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful” is long overdue and what we desperately needed. It is not just about fighting crime, it is about coordinating beautification, restoring monuments and statues, and ensuring the cleanliness of public spaces. With President Trump’s unwavering leadership and proper Congressional oversight, Washington, D.C. will reclaim its rightful place as the shining symbol of American strength and dignity.