Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act of 2026; Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act of 2025
Summary
The "Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act of 2026" aims to establish a program to beautify the District of Columbia and create a commission focused on safety and aesthetics. The bill mandates the Secretary of the Interior to develop a beautification program in consultation with various federal and local entities. It also establishes the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Commission to recommend and review actions related to law enforcement, immigration, and public safety within the District.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased coordination between federal and local agencies in addressing issues related to cleanliness, monument restoration, and public safety in Washington D.C. The establishment of the commission could result in policy recommendations impacting law enforcement strategies and resource allocation. The sunset clause ensures that both the program and the commission will terminate on January 2, 2029, requiring periodic review and potential reauthorization.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced cleanliness and maintenance of public spaces and monuments in D.C.
- Improved coordination between federal and local agencies on public safety matters.
- Potential for increased tourism and economic activity due to beautification efforts.
- Facilitated recruitment and retention of Metropolitan Police Department officers.
- Streamlined processing of concealed carry license requests.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal intervention in local D.C. affairs, which could be perceived as overreach.
- Possible concerns about the commission's focus on immigration enforcement and its impact on civil liberties.
- The sunset provision creates uncertainty about the long-term sustainability of the program and commission.
- Duplication of efforts with existing local initiatives.
- Potential for political influence in the commission's recommendations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has broad authority over the District of Columbia under Article I, Section 8, Clause 17, which grants it the power to "exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District." However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. The extent to which the federal government can intervene in local D.C. affairs without infringing on principles of local governance is a potential area of constitutional concern.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).