House Republicans Move to Strip D.C. of Local Control in Sweeping Spending Bill

House Republicans have advanced a spending bill that would significantly restrict Washington, D.C.'s autonomy by slashing funding and overriding local laws.

The bill targets a wide range of D.C. policies, including traffic safety measures, abortion access, marijuana sales, gun regulations, and voting rights for noncitizens. Local leaders and D.C.'s congressional delegate have condemned the bill as unreasonable and patronizing, arguing it undermines the city's right to self-governance. These interventions are part of a longstanding pattern where Congress imposes restrictions on D.C. through appropriations bills.

The proposed legislation has reignited debates over D.C.'s lack of statehood and its limited ability to govern itself.