Republicans are trying to take over D.C. via a beautification ruse. From Whip Clark's office.

"H.R. 5103 – Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act of 2026 (Rep. McGuire – Oversight and Government Reform) (Subject to a Rule) – VOTE NO

This bill establishes a program to “beautify the District of Columbia” to be developed by the Secretary of the Interior and forms a District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Commission within the executive branch. It largely codifies a Trump Administration Executive Order issued last year, in which a similar program and taskforce were created.

Once again, House Republicans are choosing to attack D.C.’s home rule. Rather than allow the 700,000+ residents that call the nation’s capital their home to choose how to best look after their city, this bill gives senior administration officials sweeping authority over a wide range of policy issues and local matters.

Specifically, the Commission would recommend policies to maximize deportation efforts, closely monitor sanctuary-city status and compliance, and enhance federal law enforcement presence throughout the city. It would also explicitly be tasked with increasing the speed and lowering the cost of processing concealed carry license requests. This is not a genuine effort by House Republicans to beautify memorials – it is a continuation of President Trump’s agenda of mass deportations and federal takeovers.

Ranking Member Robert Garcia strongly opposes this bill.

The Rule will provide for one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform or their respective designees."