Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks, as prepared for delivery, from speaking on the House floor yesterday for a bill to authorize use of Capitol grounds for the annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During Pride Month, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reintroduced her District of Columbia Non-Discrimination Home Rule Act to end the unique applicability of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) to the District of Columbia. RFRA, which provides more protection for religious exercise than the First Amendment requires, applies to the federal government, the D.C. government and the territorial governments, but not to state governments. Norton's bill would ensure the District is treated the same as states, while defending LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reintroduced the District of Columbia Clemency Home Rule Act, which would give D.C. exclusive authority, as the states and territories have, to grant clemency to offenders convicted under its local laws.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (D-NY), along with four original cosponsors, introduced a resolution calling on the Senate to ratify the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The Convention establishes an agenda for national action to end discrimination against women and ensure the advancement of women in political, social, economic and cultural fields through legislative action and legal protections. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979 and signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1980, but has never been brought before the full Senate for a vote.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Upon learning that President Biden today vetoed the disapproval resolution that would have overturned D.C.’s policing reform law, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said the veto represents a historic victory for D.C. home rule. This is the first time a president has ever vetoed a disapproval resolution on D.C. legislation passed under the D.C. Home Rule Act.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution in advance of Memorial Day recognizing District of Columbia servicemembers and veterans. The resolution calls for statehood for the District to ensure these servicemembers and veterans – and all District residents – enjoy the full rights of American democracy. D.C. residents have served in every war since the Revolutionary War, all without the full and equal rights that can come only with statehood.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement on Senator Tom Carper’s (D-DE) retirement announcement: