Gosar Introduces Legislation to Restore Accountability and Reform Washington, DC Criminal Justice Policies

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement after introducing H.R. 5183, the District of Columbia Home Rule Improvement Act, important legislation designed to strengthen Congressional oversight of the D.C. Council and prevent the city from enacting reckless policies that jeopardize public safety and undermine the rule of law:

"Under the Constitution's District Clause, Congress retains ultimate responsibility for the governance of the District of Columbia. Yet in recent years, the D.C. Council has advanced a series of dangerous soft-on-crime measures, including efforts to slash criminal penalties, weaken law enforcement, and defy previous Congressional disapprovals.

H.R. 5183 restores much-needed balance by extending the congressional review period for all D.C. Council legislation from 30 to 60 legislative days before it can take effect. Public safety comes first. Too often, the D.C. Council rushes through radical measures that disregard safety and defy common sense.

My bill also prohibits the Council from reintroducing or passing bills substantially similar to measures previously disapproved by Congress. If Congress rejects a bad idea, the Council should not get another chance to sneak it through.

Washington, D.C. deserves a transparent government, not one that hides controversial measures behind so-called "emergency waivers." My bill also prevents the Council from extending emergency waivers that have been abused to sidestep Congressional oversight and adopt policies that have nothing to do with genuine emergencies.

Finally, H.R. 5183 requires an annual report and hearing from the D.C. Council to Congress. This commonsense step will ensure that the federal district is governed in a manner that reflects its residents and its unique role as our nation's capital.

The D.C. Council has shown time and again that it cannot be trusted to put public safety first. My bill makes it clear: Congress has a constitutional obligation to ensure our nation's capital is safe, stable, and governed responsibly," stated Congressman Paul Gosar.

Background:

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a markup of legislation on September 10, 2025, including H.R. 5813, to ensure our nation's capital is safe and beautiful. The legislation empowers District law enforcement to combat the juvenile crime crisis, increases educational opportunities for D.C. children, and ensures a beautiful capital city for all Americans.