SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee and Representative Andy Ogles have introduced the Bringing Oversight to Washington and Safety to Every Resident (BOWSER) Act in both the Senate and House. The bill, named after District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, seeks to repeal the District of Columbia Home Rule Act one year after its passage. According to Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the Constitution, Congress has the authority to manage the nation’s capital.

Representative Andy Ogles is leading the sponsorship of this bill in the House of Representatives. He expressed concern over governance issues in Washington D.C., stating that "The radically progressive regime of D.C. Mayor Bowser has left our nation's Capital in crime-ridden shambles."

Senator Lee criticized the local government by saying, “The corruption, crime, and incompetence of the D.C. government has been an embarrassment to our nation’s capital for decades.” He emphasized that it was time for Congress to restore integrity to Washington D.C.

The proposed legislation comes as a response to several governance failures cited by its sponsors. These include corruption charges against Councilman Trayon White, rising violence involving teenage gangs, and assaults on Congressional staffers. Additional concerns include policies perceived as lenient on crime and regulations contributing to a high cost of living.

The bill reflects ongoing debates about local governance and federal oversight in Washington D.C., with proponents arguing for increased Congressional intervention due to perceived mismanagement at the city level.