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 proposes slashing funding for D.C.'s college tuition assistance, blocking marijuana sales, banning noncitizen voting, and loosening gun laws in the city. Additional measures would restrict D.C.'s ability to regulate traffic safety, abortion, 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.