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

House Republicans have advanced an appropriations bill that would significantly restrict Washington, D.C.'s autonomy by slashing funding for local programs and overriding a range of local laws.

The proposed legislation targets D.C.'s authority on issues such as traffic safety, abortion access, gun regulations, marijuana sales, and voting rights, including a ban on noncitizen voting. The bill also proposes deep cuts to the city's college tuition assistance program. 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.

The move has reignited the debate over D.C.'s lack of statehood and congressional representation.