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 bill includes provisions to cut college tuition assistance, block marijuana sales, ban noncitizen voting, and loosen gun regulations in the city. It also seeks to limit D.C.'s authority over traffic safety, abortion access, and public health policies. 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. home rule and statehood.