EXCLUSIVE — Freshman Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) filed a bill Friday that would repeal the D.C. Home Rule Act and give Congress authority over the district.

Citing Washington's rising crime rate, Ogles said Congress should retake its “constitutional authority” over the district and repeal the D.C. Home Rule Act, which passed in 1973, and give some congressional powers over the district to local government.

INFLATION COMPLICATES BIDEN'S PATH BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE

In the first nine days of August, there were 16 homicides in the district, making that over 160 homicides so far this year. This is a 28% increase from 2022. This year, the district is on track to exceed 200 homicides for the third year in a row and eclipse the most homicides in over two decades.

Because of this, Ogles filed the Seat of Government Act. The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Matt Rosendale (R-MT).

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“In the first 5 days of August, DC saw 13 homicides. The Nation’s capital has been overrun with violent crime, drugs, theft, homelessness, and riots,” Ogles said in a statement. “The Constitution places the authority and responsibility of DC administration with the Congress — not with a DC Mayor or a DC City Council. Congress needs to reclaim its Constitutional authority and make our Nation’s capital safe again, which is why I’m introducing the Seat of Government Act to repeal the DC Home Rule Act.”

Even under the Home Rule Act, Congress continues to have oversight over the district and can override local legislation. Most recently, back in March, Congress overturned Washington's crime bill, and President Joe Biden signed the measure to block it.