Norton Statement on House Passage of D.C. Policing Reform Disapproval Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the House passed a disapproval resolution to nullify D.C.’s policing reform legislation, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) vowed to defeat the undemocratic, paternalistic resolution in the Senate.

“I am disappointed, but not surprised, that the House passed today’s disapproval resolution to invalidate the District’s policing reform legislation passed by the democratically-elected D.C. Council,” Norton said. “Almost 700,000 people live in the nation’s capital, and they are worthy and capable of governing their own local affairs. From today’s vote, I can only conclude 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.

“President Biden has committed to vetoing the disapproval resolution if it comes to his desk, a scenario I will not allow to occur. As D.C.’s sole member of Congress, I will work to ensure Republicans’ undemocratic, paternalistic disapproval resolution makes no progress in the Senate.”

Local D.C. legislation must be transmitted to Congress for a designated review period. If a disapproval resolution is enacted during that period, it prevents the D.C. bill from taking effect. President Biden has committed to vetoing the disapproval resolution if it reaches his desk.

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