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

House Republicans have advanced a spending bill packed with provisions that would override Washington, D.C.'s local laws and restrict its autonomy.

The bill includes measures to slash funding for D.C.'s college tuition assistance, block marijuana sales, ban noncitizen voting, and loosen gun laws in the city. It also seeks to restrict D.C.'s authority over issues like traffic safety, abortion, and public health. Local leaders and D.C.'s congressional delegate have strongly criticized 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.