Capital Emergency Control Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5207
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-05T23:13:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to allow the President to extend periods of federal control over the Metropolitan Police Department during declared emergencies, subject to congressional notification.
Key Provisions
- The bill, titled the Capital Emergency Control Act of 2025, adds a new subsection (e) to Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act.
- Under this provision, services made available through presidential control may be extended in additional 30-day increments.
- Each extension requires the President to send written notification to the Chair and ranking minority member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, including the basis for determining that emergency conditions continue.
- The changes apply to any emergency declared under Section 740 that remains in effect on or after the date of enactment.
- Conforming amendments update references in subsections (b) and (d) to account for the new extension authority.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The amendment introduces a formal process for extending presidential control beyond the initial emergency period, which previously lacked explicit statutory extension language tied to ongoing conditions.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Increases federal authority over the Metropolitan Police Department during extended emergencies, potentially affecting coordination between the President, the DC Mayor, and local law enforcement.
- On citizens: May alter the duration and scope of federal oversight in the District during crises, with implications for local policing and public safety responses.
- No direct effects on international relations are addressed in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The President and executive branch agencies involved in emergency management.
- The District of Columbia government, including the Mayor and Metropolitan Police Department leadership.
- Congressional committees with oversight of DC affairs and homeland security.
- Residents of the District of Columbia subject to local law enforcement during emergencies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill expands presidential discretion in DC matters under the Home Rule Act framework, which balances local self-governance with federal authority; extensions require only notification rather than congressional approval, potentially raising questions about the scope of emergency powers in the capital.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-09-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Capital Emergency Control Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (3 pages)