This week, the Republican-controlled House is set to pass three bills aimed at repealing Washington, D.C. laws concerning immigration, voting, and policing, despite not restoring a significant $1 billion cut to the city’s budget. On Tuesday, the House voted on two of these bills: one bars noncitizens from voting in local elections, overturning a law passed in 2022, with a vote of 266-148. The second bill restores collective bargaining rights for police officers involved in disciplinary actions, passing 235-178. A third bill, expected to pass on Thursday, mandates compliance with federal immigration authorities regarding undocumented immigrants.
These legislative actions underscore the GOP’s challenge to D.C.’s local governance. Republicans argue that local laws contradict national standards, with Rep. August Pfluger asserting the need to overturn what he calls reckless measures. However, the funding crisis looms large, as the city grapples with a $1.1 billion budget shortfall due to a controversial provision in a past funding bill. Local leaders, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, condemned Congressional interference and criticize the House leadership for not prioritizing a budget fix.
Democrats are denouncing the Republican legislative efforts as particularly egregious given the unresolved budgetary issues. Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized that decisions about D.C. should come from locally elected officials rather than Congress. House leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have indicated they will address the funding fix, attributing delays to other legislative priorities. Local officials continue to advocate for D.C.’s self-determination, urging Congress to pass legislation to restore financial autonomy. The ongoing debate reflects broader national discussions on immigration and local governance.
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