(NewsNation) — The House Oversight Committee‘s upcoming hearing with Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser will focus on “what it looks like once the National Guard pulls out” of the district, according to committee chair Rep. James Comer, R-K.Y.
“This isn’t going to be a permanent military presence in Washington, D.C.,” Comer said in an interview on NewsNation’s “Morning in America.”
Trump has urged Congress to pass a “crime bill” that would extend his D.C. takeover past its 30-day limit. On Wednesday, Trump said he would declare a national emergency to continue federal control if Congress fails to help him secure “long-term” extensions.
Comer said he wants to grill Bowser, City Council chair Phil Mendelson and Attorney General Brian Schwalb about what it would take to maintain order after Trump’s takeover has concluded.
While Comer pointed to a “weak” city council and judiciary for D.C.’s troubles, he told NewsNation that Bowser “has to take some responsibility too.” The hearing is scheduled for September.
The Trump administration’s crackdown in D.C. — and potentially other cities — comes after the district recorded a 26% drop in violent crime since last year, according to police data.
It’s ‘unfortunate’ Trump called National Guard into DC: Rep. James Comer
Comer said “no Republican” wants to federalize a local police department or station National Guard troops on U.S. streets, but “drastic measures” are necessary in D.C.
“That’s where we are right now with the president in Washington, D.C,” Comer said. “And if it works in Washington, D.C., I can see that expanding.”
While Comer finds it “unfortunate that the president had to use the National Guard,” he said the nation’s massive military budget should lend itself to patrolling U.S. cities, not just foreign ones.
“I think we can now utilize the military just to get it under control and hopefully hold some criminals accountable,” Comer said.