Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HJR115

Introduced
8/15/25  

Caption

Terminating the emergency determined by the President on August 11, 2025, in the Executive Order titled "Declaring a crime emergency in the District of Columbia".

Impact

The termination of the emergency, if enacted, would mean that the federal government can no longer impose restrictions or take control over local law enforcement resources needed by the District of Columbia. Proponents of HJR115 contend that the city's independently raised revenues have already been restricted by the federal government, which undermines local governance and stifles public safety initiatives essential for the community. Given the reported decline in violent crime to a 30-year low, supporters assert that the President's emergency declaration is unfounded and unnecessarily politicizes the local law enforcement framework.

Summary

HJR115 is a joint resolution aimed at terminating the emergency declared by the President on August 11, 2025, related to crime in the District of Columbia. The resolution specifies that the declaration of emergency does not meet the criteria outlined in section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which limits federal intervention to defined circumstances. The bill argues that the President has not established the necessary conditions that warrant the federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department for federal purposes.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HJR115 include significant contention regarding the balance of power between federal and local authority. Opponents argue that the emergency declaration allows for a necessary federal presence in ensuring safety in dynamic urban environments. They raise concerns that terminating this emergency could embolden crime rates rather than supporting local efforts to handle crime effectively. The debate is reflective of broader themes of local autonomy versus federal control of emergency services, particularly in areas as complex as urban law enforcement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB8773

Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2025 District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2025 Executive Office of the President Appropriations Act, 2025 Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2025

US HB464

Separation of Powers Restoration Act This bill restricts the ability of the President to exercise certain powers, such as declaring a national emergency. Specifically, the bill terminates all powers and authorities possessed by the President, any executive agency, or any federal officer that derive from a declaration of national emergency. It eliminates any statutory grant of authority allowing the President or any other officer or employee of the executive branch to declare a national emergency, specifying that such power is vested solely in Congress. Furthermore, for each presidential order (i.e., executive order, presidential proclamation, presidential directive, or similar presidential or executive branch instructions), the President must include a statement specifying the statutory or constitutional provision that grants the President the authority to issue the order. It also limits the effect of a presidential order to the executive branch, with certain exceptions, such as if the order cites the specific congressional enactment from which it derives its authority. The bill provides standing to challenge the validity of presidential orders to (1) certain federal, state, and local officials; and (2) persons adversely affected by the order. This bill also repeals the War Powers Resolution, a joint resolution that outlines procedures for Congress and the President to participate in decisions to send Armed Forces into hostilities.

US HR1415

Expressing support for the designation of August 22, 2024, as national "Chuck Brown Day", and honoring his contributions to music and to the District of Columbia.

US HB3988

ARTICLE ONE Act Assuring that Robust, Thorough, and Informed Congressional Leadership is Exercised Over National Emergencies Act

US HR855

Recognizing the service of all District of Columbia veterans, condemning the denial of voting representation in Congress and full local self-government for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents, and calling for statehood for the District of Columbia through the enactment of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act (H.R. 51 and S. 51), particularly in light of the service of District of Columbia veterans in every American war.

US HB4664

Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024 District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2024 Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2024 Executive Office of the President Appropriations Act, 2024

US HR1146

Recognizing the enduring cultural and historical significance of emancipation in the Nation's capital on the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which established the "first freed" on April 16, 1862, and celebrating passage of the District of Columbia statehood bill in the House of Representatives.

US HB2091

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for District of Columbia, Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and Security Costs in the District of Columbia for fiscal year 2024.

US HB8831

Emergency OASIS Act Emergency Order Assurance, Safety, and Inspection of water Systems Act

US HB7460

To redesignate the area of Sumner Row on the 1100 block of 16th Street Northwest in Washington, District of Columbia, as "Alexei Navalny Way", and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.