(NewsNation) — Lawmakers returned from summer recess Tuesday as the GOP weighs efforts to extend President Donald Trump‘s federal takeover in Washington, D.C.
Trump has called on top Republican leaders to draft a comprehensive crime bill and to help him extend his authority in D.C. this session.
The takeover’s 30-day shelf life expires next week, and several GOP lawmakers want to see Trump’s order extended, with one proposal calling for six months of federal control.
The latest numbers from the Justice Department show nearly 1,700 arrests since Trump took over the district’s police department and deployed National Guard troops in the nation’s capital.
Trump recently described D.C. as a “crime-free zone” and hinted other cities could soon see similar crackdowns, including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has pushed back on Trump’s moves in D.C., calling his deployment decision “performative.”
“My heart breaks for anybody who is coming up in our community and doesn’t feel safe in their own neighborhood because I know what that feels like,” Moore said. “I would love more federal support, but federal support on things that actually make sense, not things that are performative.”
Trump said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., are working with him on a crime bill. Though exact details are unknown, the legislation is expected to involve more resources for police and new policies regarding cashless bail.
Lawmakers face Epstein saga as they return to Congress
Alongside Trump’s crime agenda, top Republicans returning from their five-week summer break will once again face the subject of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Top Republicans had accelerated their July exit from Washington in part to avoid the thorny Epstein saga and were hoping the attention swirling around the investigation would dissolve.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., said Tuesday he plans to file a discharge petition as soon as lawmakers are back from their recess. If signed by a majority of House members, the petition could force a vote on the House floor regarding the release of files related to the Epstein investigation.
Massie said he also plans to hold a news conference with 10 accusers of Epstein and his longtime associate and girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, on Wednesday.
Lawmakers will also contend with a Sept. 30 government funding deadline.
NewsNation partner The Hill contributed to this report.