District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule Act
District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule Act
Plain Language Summary
# District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule Act (HR 214) - Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would remove Congress's ability to reject laws passed by the DC Council. Currently, Congress has 30 days (60 days for criminal laws) to review and block any new DC law by passing a joint resolution that the President signs. If Congress does nothing during this period, the law automatically takes effect. HR 214 would eliminate this review process entirely, allowing DC laws to go into effect without congressional oversight. **Who it affects:** This primarily affects DC residents and the District's local government.
It would also change the relationship between Congress and DC by reducing federal legislative control over the city's affairs. The bill reflects ongoing debates about DC's autonomy—supporters argue DC residents deserve full self-governance like state residents, while critics contend that congressional oversight serves as a check on local government. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on. It was introduced by DC's non-voting delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has consistently advocated for greater DC home rule and representation in Congress.
CRS Official Summary
District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule ActThis bill eliminates the authority of Congress to nullify recently enacted laws of the District of Columbia (DC).Current law generally provides Congress with a 30-day period in which to review and nullify measures enacted by the DC Council (60 days for measures involving criminal law). An enacted measure is nullified if Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution of disapproval. If there is no congressional action during the review period, the measure becomes law.The bill eliminates this congressional review period and process.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.