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

House Republicans have advanced an appropriations bill that would significantly curtail Washington, D.C.'s autonomy by imposing federal restrictions on a wide range of local laws and policies.

The bill includes provisions to slash funding for college tuition assistance, block marijuana sales, ban noncitizen voting, and override D.C. regulations on traffic safety, abortion, and gun control. 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 of congressional oversight over D.C., but advocates say the current proposals are especially sweeping.

The move has reignited debates over D.C. statehood and the city's lack of full representation in Congress.