Norton Highlights D.C. Council Letter to Senate Opposing the Two Disapproval Resolutions on Local D.C. Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today thanked D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson and the D.C. Council for sending a letter to the Senate opposing two disapproval resolutions which, if enacted, would nullify two local D.C. pieces of legislation.
“The District of Columbia has the right to self-govern as granted to us under the Home Rule Act,” the letter states. “Any changes or amendments to the District’s local laws should be done by the elected representatives of the District of Columbia. As those representatives, we alone are accountable to the voters of the District of Columbia.”
“Like other jurisdictions, D.C. should be able to make choices about how to govern its own local affairs through the District’s own duly-elected officials,” Norton said. “If D.C. residents do not like how the Council members vote, D.C. residents can vote them out of office. Instead of abusing its power over D.C. by overturning legislation enacted by the D.C. Council, Congress should adhere to democratic principles and pass my D.C. statehood bill, which would give D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and full control over their local affairs.
“Thank you to D.C. Council Chair Mendelson and every member of the D.C. Council for supporting autonomy and home rule for D.C.”
The full letter follows.
COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
THE JOHN A. WILSON BUILDING
1350 PENNSLYVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004
February 23, 2023
The Honorable Chuck Schumer
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Gary Peters
Chair, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Rand Paul
Ranking Member, Senate Homeland Security
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Senators:
We write on behalf of the legislative branch of the District government. As members of the Council, representing approximately 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia, we oppose the efforts to disapprove two enactments properly adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia:
D.C. Act 24-789, the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022
D.C. Act 24-640, the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022
The District of Columbia has the right to self-govern as granted to us under the Home Rule Act. Any changes or amendments to the District’s local laws should be done by the elected representatives of the District of Columbia. As those representatives, we alone are accountable to the voters of the District of Columbia. Just as Congress does not interfere in the local matters of other states, we compel you not to interfere in our matters. A vote against these two disapproval resolutions is a vote to protect that autonomy for the residents of the District.
Additionally, these two measures are responsible enactments. These bills were approved after public hearings, extensive discussion, and thorough consideration by the Council of the District of Columbia. The Revised Criminal Code Act brings DC’s criminal code in line with the codes of 50 other states – whereas our current criminal code, dating to 1901, is broadly considered outdated and incoherent. The Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act simply extends the franchise as a number of other jurisdictions have done for local elections.
It is highly problematic for the District if Congress steps in to interfere with Home Rule. We could, of course, better explain this – and the legislation – if there were a hearing where we were invited to do so. We ask you to stand up against any attempts to undermine the autonomy Congress has granted the District and instead stand up for the democratic rights of District residents. Thus, we urge you to reject any disapproval resolution or discharge of any such resolution from Committee.
Sincerely,
Phil Mendelson
Chairman, At-Large
Kenyan R. McDuffie
Chair Pro-Tempore, At-Large
Robert C. White, Jr.
Councilmember, At-Large
Anita Bonds
Councilmember, At-Large
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
Brianne Nadeau
Councilmember, Ward 1
Brooke Pinto
Councilmember, Ward 2
Matthew Frumin
Councilmember, Ward 3
Janeese Lewis George
Councilmember, Ward 4
Zachary Parker
Councilmember, Ward 5
Charles Allen
Councilmember, Ward 6
Vincent C. Gray
Councilmember, Ward 7
Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
###