Congress Moves to Strip D.C. of Local Control in Sweeping GOP 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 traffic enforcement cameras, blocking noncitizen voting, and loosening gun regulations, including allowing concealed weapons on public transit. It also maintains a ban on D.C. using its own funds to regulate marijuana sales and restricts abortion access. Local leaders and D.C.'s congressional delegate have condemned the bill as an attack on home rule and self-governance.

The move has reignited debates over D.C.'s lack of statehood and vulnerability to congressional intervention.