Norton Slams GOP Over Three Anti-Home Rule Bills Targeting D.C. Autonomy

August 12, 2025

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has criticized three Republican-backed bills targeting the District of Columbia's local governance as "paternalistic" and undemocratic. The legislation, considered by the U.S. House Rules Committee, would override D.C.'s laws on noncitizen voting rights, police reform, and immigration cooperation. Norton defended D.C.'s right to self-governance for its more than 700,000 residents and condemned the timing of these bills, which followed a continuing resolution that reduced D.C.'s local budget by $1 billion.

Who is affected

More than 700,000 D.C. residents
Noncitizen D.C. residents (green card holders and DACA recipients)
D.C. local government and D.C. Council
D.C. police department
Immigrant communities in D.C.
Undocumented immigrants in D.C.

What action is being taken

The U.S. House Rules Committee is considering three Republican-backed bills targeting D.C.'s local governance
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton is actively denouncing these measures
Republicans are attempting to override D.C. laws on voting, policing, and immigration cooperation
House Republicans have passed a continuing resolution that slashed D.C.'s local budget by $1 billion

Why it matters

This federal intervention challenges D.C.'s local autonomy and the democratic will of its residents. The legislation would nullify locally enacted laws that reflect D.C.'s values regarding noncitizen voting rights, police accountability, and protection for immigrant communities. The timing is particularly significant as it follows a $1 billion cut to D.C.'s local budget, which Norton described as "fiscal sabotage." The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for D.C. statehood and voting representation in Congress, with Norton arguing that these Republican efforts represent unjustified federal overreach into matters that should be decided locally.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint