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Groups Urge House to Block Bill Letting President Pick D.C. Attorney General

January 30, 2026

A coalition of 19 nonpartisan nonprofit organizations has formally opposed proposed federal legislation that would eliminate the District of Columbia's elected attorney general position and replace it with a presidential appointee. The bill, introduced by Texas Representative Pat Fallon, would allow the president to select and remove the D.C. attorney general without Senate confirmation, with terms aligned to presidential terms. The coalition argues this measure contradicts the national norm where 43 states elect their attorneys general and threatens prosecutorial independence by placing the office under direct executive control.

Who is affected

  • District of Columbia residents and voters
  • Brian Schwalb (current elected D.C. Attorney General, whose position would terminate)
  • The 19 nonpartisan nonprofit organizations in the coalition
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (recipients of the letter)
  • President Donald Trump (who would gain appointment power)
  • Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) (bill sponsor)

What action is being taken

  • The coalition of 19 nonprofit organizations is urging House leaders to oppose H.R. 5179 through a letter dated January 28. The House has advanced multiple bills aimed at D.C. laws, with H.R. 5179 scheduled for votes.

Why it matters

  • This legislation represents a significant erosion of local democratic control in the District of Columbia, threatening prosecutorial independence by placing the attorney general's office under direct presidential authority without Senate oversight. It breaks from the prevailing national model where 43 states elect their attorneys general, potentially compromising the office's ability to protect D.C. residents' interests, particularly in consumer protection and civil enforcement that generated $661 million in benefits in 2024. The change raises concerns about politicization of law enforcement, especially given the president's history of encouraging investigations against political opponents.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer

Groups Urge House to Block Bill Letting President Pick D.C. Attorney General