House Republicans Target D.C. Autonomy with Sweeping Restrictions in New Spending Bill

House Republicans have advanced an appropriations bill that imposes significant restrictions on Washington, D.C.'s ability to govern itself.

The bill includes provisions to slash funding for local programs such as college tuition assistance, block marijuana sales, ban noncitizen voting, and override local laws on issues like traffic safety, abortion, and gun control. These measures have been widely criticized by D.C. officials and advocates as an attack on the city's home rule and self-governance. The move reignites longstanding tensions between Congress and D.C. over the city's limited autonomy.

Local leaders argue the bill is unreasonable and patronizing, undermining the will of D.C. residents.