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Norton Highlights D.C. Council Letter to Senate Opposing the Two Disapproval Resolutions on Local D.C. Legislation

February 23, 2023

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

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