On August 11th, 2025, the President initiated a militaristic takeover of Washington D.C. The President federalized the local police force, bringing D.C. local police under federal control. He also ordered the deployment of the National Guard to the nation’s capital. The Home Rule Act allows the President to federalize police forces for 48 hours, after which congressional approval is required to extend the period for up to 30 days. Only in times of emergency can the President authorize such force. This provision of the Home Rule Act has not been invoked in the 50 years since its passage. Now, the President claims crime in the city qualifies as such an emergency.  
 
Contrary to the administration’s claims, crime in DC is the lowest it’s been in 30 years and is trending downward, with violent crime dropping by 26% and overall crime decreasing by 7% in the last year. The city has more police officers per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. Regardless of the crime rate, the federalization of a local police force is an undemocratic abuse of power. 

Unhoused people are being snatched from their encampments around the city. Alarmingly, we don’t yet know where they are being taken or what is happening to them. Communities of color, people with mental health needs, and unhoused neighbors are some of the most vulnerable to this assault on D.C.  

Because D.C. is not a state, its constituents lack representation in Congress. That’s why we need your help to ask your Senators and Representative to act in solidarity with D.C. 

Washington D.C. is home to over 700,000 engaged, tax-paying citizens who deserve representation and a voice in their government. Our country is guided by a founding principle that each person is entitled to voice their opinions through their vote. But, we haven’t fulfilled this promise for D.C. residents. The General Synod of the United Church of Christ has supported D.C. self-determination for over 50 years.  

Urge Congress today to: 

1) Repeal Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, the provision that gives the President the power to federalize the police in the district.  

2) Unfreeze D.C.’s city budget and oppose Congressional interference in D.C. laws.  

3) Pass H.R. 51, which would make D.C. the 51st state.