Legislation Introduced to Bring DC Greater Autonomy: DC Vote Responds

For more information contact: James Jones, Communications Director
202.462.6000 x12 office / 202.557.4864 mobile / jjones@dcvote.org

November 17, 2009

Washington, DC - Tomorrow, the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia will hold a hearing addressing two bills that would eliminate congressional review of DC's budget and laws. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) recently introduced in the House the District of Columbia Budget Autonomy Act of 2009 (H.R. 1045) and the District of Columbia Legislative Autonomy Act of 2009 (H.R. 960).

The following statement from Ilir Zherka, DC Vote Executive Director, can be quoted in full or in part:

"Legislative and budget autonomy are essential factors in achieving full democracy for DC. Unfortunately, members of Congress regularly interfere with the District's ability to create laws and to create and enact a budget.

DC's locally-elected government is in the best position to make budget decisions and local laws for their constituents. They should be afforded the same freedom as any other locality. Members of Congress have no reason to involve themselves in the creation of DC's local budget or its local laws. Eliminating this unnecessary congressional review would allow local officials to respond to the needs and interests of the people of the District with greater efficiency and speed.

Passage of this legislation would be a significant victory for DC's democracy. Without congressional interference in local matters, DC-like the rest of the nation-will be able to tackle its own problems with more resources and greater freedom."

Click here for additional details on the hearing.

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