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Norton Statement on House Passage of Two Disapproval Resolutions on Local D.C. Legislation

February 9, 2023

The disapproval resolutions would overturn two pieces of local D.C. legislation: allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections and revising the D.C. criminal code

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said today that she will work with her colleagues to ensure the disapproval resolutions of two pieces of local D.C. legislation that passed the House today do not pass the Senate. One disapproval resolution would overturn the local D.C. legislation allowing noncitizens to vote in local D.C. elections and the other would overturn D.C.’s revised criminal code. The Biden Administration has released a Statement of Administration Policy opposing the resolutions.

“These profoundly undemocratic, oppressive, paternalistic disapproval resolutions are an unfortunate byproduct of D.C.’s lack of statehood,” Norton said. “If enacted, the disapproval resolutions would overturn the two D.C. pieces of legislation. I will work with my colleagues to try to save both from congressional interference.

“The legislative history and merits of the legislation enacted by D.C. that are the subjects of the disapproval resolutions are irrelevant, since there is never justification for Congress nullifying local D.C. laws. Congress should instead respect D.C.’s autonomy and its duly-elected local officials.”

D.C. legislation must be transmitted to Congress for a designated review period. If enacted, the resolutions would nullify the local D.C. laws.

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