Norton Statement on Failed Republican Veto Override Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After yesterday’s failed attempt in the House to override President Biden’s veto on the disapproval resolution that would have nullified D.C.’s policing reform law, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said the President was correct in vetoing the disapproval resolution and that Congress should leave decisions about local D.C. laws to D.C. residents.

“D.C.’s Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022 is consistent with the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, President Biden’s executive order on policing, and legislation enacted in dozens of states,” Norton said. “Moreover, the disapproval resolution is a profoundly undemocratic and paternalistic piece of legislation. Almost 700,000 people live in the nation’s capital, and they are worthy and capable of governing their own local affairs.

“From their behavior this Congress, I can only surmise that House Republicans disagree with me, believing instead that D.C. residents, a majority of whom are Black and Brown, are incapable and unworthy of the same respect afforded to residents of their own districts. I cannot emphasize strongly enough how offensive that notion is to my values, goals, and more than 30 years of work advocating for D.C. residents in Congress.

“The President was correct in vetoing the disapproval resolution. Congress should leave all decisions about local D.C. laws to D.C. residents.”

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