Another Promise Made and Promise Kept: D.C. is Safe and Beautiful Again

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks one year since President Trump declared a national emergency in Washington D.C. and deployed the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, bringing together federal, state and local law enforcement to remove illegal drugs and dangerous offenders from Washington D.C. neighborhoods and restore law and order in our nation’s capital.

Republicans have made public safety a priority and the results are undeniable. Over the past year, more than 100 known gang members and 35 homicide suspects have been arrested. The Task Force has also carried out more than 3,200 narcotics arrests, seized nearly 2,000 illegal guns, and located 25 missing children and reunited them with their families. Congressional Republicans delivered a $500 million investment into the National Guard through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to strengthen unit readiness and help keep American communities safe.

Here’s what Members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) are saying to celebrate the success of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force on the one year anniversary of its deployment:

“One year ago, our nation's capital was devastated by liberal soft-on-crime policies, ranking among the most dangerous in America. Thankfully, that nightmare is over. President Trump's Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force has made more than 16,000 arrests, including 35 homicide suspects and over 100 known gang members. The Task Force has carried out more than 3,200 drug-related arrests, seized nearly 2,000 illegal firearms, and reunited 25 missing children with their families. This is what results look like when you put safety first and back the men and women of law enforcement. Congress must continue to support this work and stand ready to use our constitutional authority if further action is needed to keep Washington, D.C. safe,” said RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).

“A nation’s capital should reflect the strength and character of the country it represents. The United States is the greatest nation in the world, and Washington, D.C. should be a capital worthy of that distinction. Over the past year, we have made tremendous strides toward restoring safety, order, and pride to the District. Crime is down, our streets are cleaner, and Washington is becoming a city that residents can take pride in and Americans from across the country can feel safe visiting. That progress is the result of a renewed commitment to enforcing the law and treating our nation’s capital with the care and attention it deserves. I am proud of the work we have done to restore Washington and of the progress we can already see throughout the city. Now, we have to keep it going,” said Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-07).

“As a member of the Air National Guard, I want to thank every member of the Guard for their service in cleaning up the streets of our nation’s Capital. I have had the opportunity to speak with many of the members serving in Washington, their professionalism and willingness to serve is second to none. Under Republican leadership, crime has dropped to historic lows in Washington and across the nation.  I look forward to continuing that success. Thank you again to our brave men and women of the National Guard, your service has made our Capital a safer and more beautiful place,” said Rep. Sheri Biggs (SC-03).

“President Trump promised to restore law and order to our nation’s capital, and one year later, the results speak for themselves. More than 16,000 arrests have taken dangerous criminals and gang members off the streets, illegal guns and drugs have been seized, and missing children have been brought home. By standing with law enforcement and giving them the resources they need to do their jobs, President Trump is making our nation’s capital safer for the families who call it home and the millions of Americans who visit each year,” said Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24).

“Washington, D.C. went from a crime-ridden embarrassment to a model for the rest of the country because President Trump took violent crime seriously and sent in the resources to back up our law enforcement. One year after launching the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force and deploying the National Guard, the results speak for themselves. We've seen sixteen thousand arrests and thousands of violent offenders and drug traffickers held accountable, all because we finally have a president who treats public safety like the priority it should have been all along. Every city drowning in crime because of soft-on-crime Democrat policies should be paying close attention, because this is proof it doesn't have to be that way,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01).

“President Trump has kept his promise to restore Washington, D.C. He understands that decline is a choice. We don’t have to accept crime, filth, and decay as a society, and certainly not in our nation’s capital. We should demand beauty, safety, and prosperity. Not only has the National Guard made D.C. safer, but the presence of our heroes there gives visitors a clear sense that their leaders are truly putting Americans first,” said Rep. Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08).

“We appreciate the great work being accomplished by the Mississippi Army National Guard who are among the men and women protecting our nation’s capital. Under President Trump’s leadership, law and order is being restored in Washington, D.C., and in cities across America,” said Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01).

Background: Last September, RSC Members toured the National Mall with the National Guard who were deployed to make D.C. safer at the direction of President Trump. While Democrats doubled down on soft-on-crime policies, Republicans backed President Trump's decision to mobilize professional military personnel who have saved countless lives in America’s capital. Crime has dropped sharply across D.C. since the National Guard arrived, vindicating the Republican approach of supporting our military and prioritizing public safety over radical policies that coddle criminals and weaken the police.