Common-Sense Law Enforcement and Accountability Now in DC Act of 2025

Enumerated powers · passes

Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 grants Congress exclusive legislative authority over the District of Columbia. Repealing a local DC Council act is a valid exercise of that power.

Bill of Rights · passes

The bill does not itself restrict speech, religion, press, assembly, petition, arms, quartering, search and seizure, self-incrimination, due process, takings, fair trial, jury, cruel and unusual punishment, or unenumerated rights. It removes certain police restrictions but does not mandate any conduct that would violate the Bill of Rights.

Individual liberty · passes

The bill imposes no new restrictions on individuals' person, property, speech, labor, or belief. It removes restrictions on government actors, which does not directly limit individual freedom.

Decentralization · raises concerns · severity: minor

While Congress has constitutional authority over DC, the bill overrides a local council's democratically enacted policing reforms, consolidating decision-making at the federal level. The local community (DC Council) had already handled the matter, so this action fails the fourth question of the decentralization test.

Due process and takings · passes

The bill does not bypass procedural or substantive due process; it is a straightforward legislative repeal. No property is taken without just compensation. The Fifth Amendment is not implicated.