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, block marijuana sales, ban noncitizen voting, and override local laws on issues like gun control, abortion, and traffic safety. D.C.'s sole congressional delegate and local officials have strongly criticized the bill as unreasonable and patronizing, arguing it undermines the city's home rule and self-governance. These interventions are part of a longstanding pattern where Congress uses spending bills to control D.C. policies.

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