New Federal Commission Targets D.C. Sanctuary Policies and Concealed Carry Permits, Set to Expire in 2029

This bill, the “Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act,” is essentially a two-part temporary plan for D.C., with both sections set to expire on January 2, 2029. The first part is relatively straightforward: it requires the Secretary of the Interior to launch a program within 30 days to clean up and beautify D.C., focusing on removing graffiti, restoring monuments, and tidying up public spaces like parks and transit areas (SEC. 3). The second part, however, creates a powerful new federal body that gets right into the weeds of local D.C. governance, law enforcement, and policy.

The Federal Cleanup Crew: Aesthetics and Autonomy

Section 3’s Beautification Program is aimed at fixing up damage and defacement to federal monuments and public areas, requiring the Interior Secretary to coordinate with the Mayor of D.C. and other local officials. If you work in D.C. or visit frequently, this means cleaner sidewalks, less graffiti, and better-maintained federal sites. The bill specifically mentions getting private companies involved in the cleanup efforts. This is a clear, tangible goal that most people can agree on, whether they’re commuting through Union Station or visiting the National Mall. It’s a temporary fix, but one designed to make the city look better.

The Commission: Policy Overhaul on a Federal Level

Section 4 establishes the new District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Commission, a temporary federal body composed of heavy hitters from agencies like the FBI, ATF, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Marshals, chaired by a senior official from the Executive Office of the President. This Commission isn't just about coordinating; it’s tasked with recommending and monitoring actions across several highly sensitive policy areas, essentially inserting federal oversight directly into local D.C. matters.

For residents and workers, the Commission’s mandate is a mixed bag. On one hand, it must work to speed up the accreditation of D.C.’s forensic crime lab and support the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with recruitment and resources (SEC. 4(c)). Better police support and a faster crime lab mean more effective law enforcement, which is a win for public safety. The Commission is also explicitly tasked with helping make the process for obtaining concealed carry licenses faster and cheaper, a provision that directly impacts gun owners in the District.

Targeting Local D.C. Policy

The real friction point is the Commission’s focus on immigration and criminal justice. The bill mandates that the Commission push for policies to “maximize the enforcement of federal immigration law” in D.C. and monitor the city’s “sanctuary city” policies to ensure compliance with federal rules (SEC. 4(c)). For undocumented residents or those who rely on D.C.’s sanctuary protections, this federal push means increased risk and potential enforcement actions coordinated by the federal government.

Furthermore, the Commission is directed to review federal pretrial detention policies and recommend changes to keep criminal defendants who pose a threat to public safety locked up “as much as the law allows” (SEC. 4(c)). This signals a clear federal interest in increasing pretrial detention rates, which could significantly impact the local criminal justice system and the rights of those awaiting trial. When a federal commission is tasked with monitoring and recommending changes to local policy on everything from immigration to who stays in jail before trial, it raises serious questions about D.C.'s ability to govern itself without federal intervention, even if the measures are only temporary.