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

House Republicans have advanced a federal 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 college tuition assistance, block marijuana sales, ban noncitizen voting, loosen gun laws, and prohibit traffic enforcement cameras. 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. These interventions are part of a longstanding pattern where Congress imposes restrictions on D.C., but advocates say the current proposals are especially severe.

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