House Republicans Target D.C. Autonomy with Sweeping Restrictions and Funding Cuts

House Republicans have advanced an appropriations bill packed with provisions that would override Washington, D.C.'s local laws and restrict its autonomy.

The bill includes measures to slash funding for college tuition assistance, block marijuana sales, ban noncitizen voting, and loosen gun regulations in the city. It also seeks to limit D.C.'s authority over traffic safety, abortion access, and public health policies. Local leaders and D.C.'s congressional delegate have condemned the bill as unreasonable, patronizing, and a direct attack on home rule.

The move has reignited debates over D.C.'s lack of statehood and self-governance.