Norton Announces that White House Says President Biden Will Veto Disapproval Resolution on Local D.C. Policing Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today thanked President Biden for the commitment from the White House to veto the congressional disapproval resolution that would, if enacted, nullify D.C.’s Justice and Policing Reform Act. The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability voted to report out the disapproval resolution yesterday.
"Thank you, President Biden, for respecting D.C.'s right to govern itself and for today’s commitment to veto the disapproval resolution to nullify D.C.'s policing reform legislation," Norton said. “The president has finally reached the appropriate conclusion that the nearly 700,000 residents of the nation’s capital deserve, and are fully capable, of governing themselves.
“In addition, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the compelling, fruitful efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus, led by Chairman Steven Horsford (D-NV), who recognized this threat both to D.C.'s home rule and to policing reform nationally, and acted swiftly, galvanizing our members to oppose the disapproval resolution. I also want to thank the numerous organizations and D.C. residents who made the case not to interfere in D.C.’s local affairs.
“Because of the president’s decision today, future efforts spent to pass this disapproval resolution in either chamber this Congress would be wasted. There is only one political solution that would give D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and complete control over their local affairs. That solution is to make D.C. a state. With House passage twice in the last two Congresses of my D.C. statehood bill, I believe we are closer than ever.”
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