District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule Act
2/4/2025, 4:54 PM
Status of Legislation
Purpose and Summary
District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule Act
This bill eliminates the authority of Congress to nullify recently enacted laws of the District of Columbia (DC).
Current law generally provides Congress with a 30-day period in which to review and nullify measures enacted by the DC Council (60 days for measures involving criminal law). An enacted measure is nullified if Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution of disapproval. If there is no congressional action during the review period, the measure becomes law.
The bill eliminates this congressional review period and process.
Proponents of the bill argue that the current system of Congressional review infringes on the autonomy of the DC government and undermines the principles of home rule. They believe that the residents of DC should have the right to govern themselves without interference from Congress.
Opponents of the bill, however, express concerns about the potential implications of removing the Congressional review process. They argue that Congress plays a crucial role in overseeing the actions of the DC government and ensuring that its laws are in line with federal interests. Overall, the passage of Bill 119 HR 214 would represent a significant change in the relationship between the DC government and Congress. It remains to be seen how this legislation will be received by lawmakers and what impact it will have on the governance of the District of Columbia.
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District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule Act
This bill eliminates the authority of Congress to nullify recently enacted laws of the District of Columbia (DC).
Current law generally provides Congress with a 30-day per...
The bill eliminates this congressional review period and process.