Returning Citizens Unite Against Infringement on District Laws

September 15, 2025

U.S. House Republicans are advancing multiple bills that would undermine D.C.'s home rule, including legislation to nullify the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA), which allows those convicted as juveniles to petition for early release after serving 15 years. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved over a dozen measures that would give the federal government greater control over D.C.'s public safety system, including making the D.C. attorney general a presidential appointee and allowing 14-year-olds to be charged as adults for certain crimes. D.C. residents, activists, and returning citizens who benefited from IRAA are advocating against these measures, arguing they undermine local autonomy and ignore the rehabilitation and community contributions of former offenders.

Who is affected

D.C. residents, particularly those who have benefited from or could benefit from the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act
Juveniles convicted of crimes who would lose the opportunity for early release after rehabilitation
Returning citizens like James Carpenter, Colie Long, and Robert Barton who have rebuilt their lives after serving reduced sentences
The broader D.C. community that would lose local control over its justice system and laws
D.C. courts and judiciary whose appointment process would change
Young offenders as young as 14 who could be charged as adults

What action is being taken

D.C. residents and activists are advocating against the bills by visiting Congress and speaking with representatives
The Council for Court Excellence is circulating fact sheets about local policies targeted by congressional Republicans
Returning citizens are sharing their stories of rehabilitation and community contributions
Organizations like More Than Our Crimes are working to change perceptions about formerly incarcerated individuals
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and Attorney General Brian Schwalb are scheduled to appear before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Why it matters

The bills threaten D.C.'s limited self-governance and home rule
Laws like IRAA provide second chances for juvenile offenders who have demonstrated rehabilitation
Many returning citizens have become community assets and "cycle breakers" who help address root causes of crime
The measures focus on punishment rather than prevention and rehabilitation
Local control allows D.C. to create laws that reflect community values and address specific local needs
Congressional intervention overrides decisions made by locally elected officials
The legislation could undo progress made in criminal justice reform and youth rehabilitation

What's next

Republican House leadership plans to bring some measures to a vote in the coming weeks
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb are scheduled to appear before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on September 18
While passage in the House seems likely, the bills' fate in the Senate remains uncertain

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer