District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule Act

2/4/2025, 4:54 PM

Summary of Bill HR 214

Bill 119 HR 214, also known as the District of Columbia Home Rule Act Amendment, aims to make changes to the current process of Congressional review for acts passed by the District of Columbia. Currently, any legislation passed by the DC government must undergo a period of review by Congress before it can become law. This bill seeks to eliminate this review period, allowing the DC government to enact laws without needing approval from Congress.

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 214

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.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 214

Bill HR 214 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 6, 2025. Bill HR 214 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 6, 2025.  Bill HR 214's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of January 6, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 214

Total Number of Sponsors
6
Democrat Sponsors
6
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 214

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 214

To amend the District of Columba Home Rule Act to eliminate the Congressional review period for District of Columbia acts.To amend the District of Columba Home Rule Act to eliminate the Congressional review period for District of Columbia acts.
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Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 214

R
Eleanor Holmes Norton
District of Columbia(Democrat)

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