# What the DC Home Rule Expansion Act Actually Does

This bill is about giving Washington, DC more control over its own affairs by removing federal oversight that currently slows down the city's decision-making process. Right now, DC has a unique situation where Congress can review and block laws that the DC Council passes, which is different from how states operate. This bill would eliminate that congressional veto power and give DC residents more say in how their city is governed.

The first major change removes the 30-day congressional review period that currently applies to most DC laws. When the DC Council passes a bill today, it has to sit for 30 days while Congress can object to it. This bill eliminates that waiting period entirely, meaning DC laws would take effect immediately once the Mayor signs them (or the Council overrides a veto). This affects everyday things like local taxes, housing regulations, business licensing, and other city policies. Residents would no longer have to worry that Congress might kill a law their elected representatives passed.

The second major change gives DC control over prosecuting local crimes. Currently, the federal U.S. Attorney's office handles many DC prosecutions. This bill would let DC create its own local prosecutor's office to handle crimes under DC law—things like local theft, assault, or traffic violations. The federal government would still handle federal crimes. This means DC would have more control over its own criminal justice system and how it enforces local laws. The bill also gives DC the power to grant clemency (pardons, reduced sentences, or fine forgiveness) for crimes under DC law, rather than having that power rest with the federal government.

These changes essentially treat DC more like a state by removing federal veto power over local decisions and giving the city control over its own prosecution and clemency decisions. For DC residents, it means their locally elected officials would have final say on local matters without Congress being able to override them.

District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022

Norton, Eleanor Holmes

District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 This bill provides the District of Columbia (DC) with exclusive authority to prosecute, and grant clemency for, violations of its criminal laws. (Currently, the authority to prosecute crimes is shared between DC and the federal government, while the authority to grant clemency is held by the President.) Additionally, the bill eliminates the congressional review period that applies to legislation passed by the DC council. (Under current law, Congress reviews legislation passed by the council and may issue a joint resolution disapproving of the legislation; if the President signs the resolution, the legislation may not become law.)