Washington, DC — Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is taking a wait-and-see approach before commenting on the effectiveness of the federal takeover of the Washington, D.C. police force. The District of Columbia filed suit on Friday against the Trump administration over the action. Congress would have to authorize the takeover if it lasts beyond 30 days, although the president says he could bypass that by declaring a national emergency. Grassley was asked if he’d support the move.
Grassley says there is another factor that may sway how he’d vote, if the issue goes before federal lawmakers.
Grassley says some type of action was needed to bring a halt to the murders, carjackings, and other violent crimes in the nation’s capital.
There’s no constitutional question, he says, that if Congress chose to repeal the Home Rule Act of 1973, the federal government could run Washington, though Grassley was quick to add, “We don’t desire to do that.”
Chuck Grassley — KIWA Staff Photo
