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 proposes slashing funding for D.C.'s college tuition assistance, banning noncitizen voting, blocking marijuana sales, and loosening gun laws, including allowing concealed weapons on public transit. It also seeks to ban traffic enforcement cameras and restrict local spending on issues like abortion and public health. D.C. officials and its congressional delegate have condemned the bill as unreasonable, patronizing, and a direct attack on the city's right to self-govern.

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