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In response to an attack on a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer and President Donald Trump’s threat to place Washington, D.C. under federal control, a Senate Republican has renewed his push to federalize the capital.
Senator Mike Lee from Utah has been advocating for Congress to assume control of Washington, introducing the Bringing Oversight to Washington and Safety to Every Resident (BOWSER) Act in collaboration with Rep. Andy Ogles from Tennessee. The legislation aims to address issues of crime in the District.
The BOWSER Act, introduced by Lee, has not progressed beyond the committee stage since its introduction in February. However, Trump’s recent mention of an attack on former DOGE staffer Edward Coristine, also known as “Big Balls,” has reignited discussions on the topic.
“The Constitution already grants federal authority over D.C.,” Lee stated. “It is now up to Congress to assert its legislative power over our nation’s capital. My bill, the BOWSER Act, seeks to achieve this goal.”
Fox News Digital contacted Lee for additional comments but has not received a response yet.
Lee’s proposal would effectively overturn the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, a law passed in the 1970s that established local governance in the city. The act reduced the level of oversight that Congress had over Washington, D.C.
Over the years, there have been increasing calls from lawmakers to enhance Congress’ supervision of the city, primarily driven by concerns about rising crime rates and objections to potential changes in the District’s criminal code.
Trump also weighed in on the matter, warning that if Washington, D.C. does not address its issues promptly, federal intervention may be necessary. He expressed his intention to federalize the city if the situation does not improve.
Fox News reached out to Mayor Bowser’s office for a response but has not received a reply yet.
Zack Smith, a senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation and former prosecutor, highlighted previous instances where D.C. council policies hindered law enforcement efforts and public safety.
Bowser and the D.C. Council have been working on updating the District’s criminal code. However, certain proposed changes that would have reduced sentences for various crimes were initially vetoed by Bowser. Congress and former President Joe Biden later intervened to prevent these reforms from taking effect.
Smith emphasized that Congress retains the authority to legislate for the District, serving as a safeguard against undesirable changes. He supported calls by Trump and Lee for a review of the District’s governance structure.
“Congress was able to step in and block the proposed overhaul of the Criminal Code,” Smith explained. “The BOWSER Act, if it repeals home rule, would fundamentally alter the functioning of the local D.C. government, potentially involving a more direct role for Congress and the Federal Government.”
“There is a broad, and somewhat bipartisan, consensus that the current system in D.C. is not functioning as intended,” he added.
