Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum Statement on Federal Law Enforcement Presence in Saint Paul

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“Today, masked federal agents were involved in another enforcement activity in Saint Paul, this time at a residential address the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. My office continues to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding these actions. Let me be abundantly clear: I strongly oppose the Trump administration’s actions to stoke conflict and division in our community. People have a right to express their first amendment freedoms, including protesting actions by their government, but they have a solemn obligation to do so peacefully.”

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Congresswoman Betty McCollum Defends Minnesota's Somali Community During Remarks at Minnesota State Capitol

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

“An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us,” says Dean of Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — In a post on his social media platform late Friday night, President Donald Trump announced that he would “immediately” terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants living in Minnesota. In response to the President’s attacks on Minnesota’s Somali community, Congresswoman McCollum joined Minnesota leaders and stakeholders from the Somali community at a press event in the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda on Monday morning to defend our Minnesota values and vibrant immigrant communities. During the press event, Congresswoman McCollum delivered the following remarks: 

“The Somali-American community is a vibrant part of our state, and I’m here today to stand with my brothers and sisters. In Minnesota, as was pointed out by the other speakers, we welcome our immigrant neighbors and treat them with respect, and we treat them with dignity. It’s been 50 years since the Vietnam War when we welcomed Hmong and Lao war veterans who fought alongside American forces during the secret war in Laos. They were welcomed into our communities. In the 1990s during the Somali Civil War, Minnesota again provided a safe new home for families displaced by extreme violence. The Minnesota immigrant communities are making contributions that make our neighborhoods and our nation a better place. 

“Republicans continue to single out Democratic states that follow federal immigration law, turning our neighbors into scapegoats to win votes. I’m ready to get to work, seriously, about fixing our broken immigration system. It’s time for Trump and Republicans to come to the table if they truly care about comprehensive reform that upholds America’s values and keeps our country safe. Instead, for months Trump’s been stoking tensions across the country with reckless and illegal mass deportations that violate the essence of America: due process. Across America, he’s illegally deploying the National Guard and at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars per day. In Washington D.C., it’s $1.3 million per day for the deployed National Guard. 

“Now, back to late Friday night, when he hurled ugly late-night threats against Minnesota’s Somali community. You have to ask yourself why. It’s because Trump and Republicans are doing nothing to address the real crises facing us as Americans: The U.S. economy is in shambles, the cost of living is soaring, Trump and Republicans have created a health care crisis, and they’ve failed to deliver essential heating assistance for Minnesotans this winter.

“We know that when Donald Trump is in trouble, he always falls back to what he knows: throwing attacks and creating chaos. Americans deserve better than Trump’s attacks and misinformation about what’s happening here in Minnesota. Here’s the reality: Crime is declining. We continue to be ranked as one of the best states to start a business and raise a family. If Trump and House Republicans are serious about addressing the real challenges facing our country, they wouldn’t be attacking; they’d be listening to Minnesotans seeing their health care premiums rise, struggling to afford Trump’s taxes of tariffs – and that effects everything from groceries, to gas, to heating.   

“I want to be clear: An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us. I’m proud to stand up for our Minnesota values with my brothers and sisters. I thank Governor Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for all they do to move things forward in court. And I’m so proud to stand with my brothers and sisters in the Minnesota House and Senate. We haven’t changed our values since I served here. Let me say it again: An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us.”

Click here to watch Congresswoman McCollum’s remarks on YouTube.

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Reps. Cleaver, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Don Bacon (R-NE), members of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, introduced a Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution to help ensure foster youth nationwide are informed about their rights while in foster care. While fifteen states and Puerto Rico have enacted their own Foster Youth Bill of Rights, foster youth rights vary from state to state, with most states providing no guaranteed foster rights at all. The bipartisan resolution is an effort to raise awareness for the existing rights that some states guarantee to foster youth, highlighting ten separate rights that should be afforded to foster youth nationwide.

“Every child in America deserves to feel safe and valued, and we can make no exceptions for the children in our foster care system,” said Congressman Cleaver. “As we work to provide a legal framework for guaranteed protections that should be afforded to foster youth nationwide, I’m proud to introduce the Federal Foster Youth Bill of Rights with Congressman Bacon. Together, we will keep fighting to ensure these children receive the support and stability they deserve.”

“As a foster to adopt parent I know foster youth are an at-risk population through no fault of their own, and it is our responsibility to not only protect them, but to help them get the best outcome possible,” said Rep. Bacon. “The creation of a Foster Youth Bill of Rights will empower them to effectively advocate for themselves and provide another layer of protections.”

“The Foster Youth Bill of Rights affirms what every young person in foster care deserves: safety, dignity, equitable access to resources and opportunities, and a fair chance to build a bright future,” said Rebecca Louve Yao, CEO, National Foster Youth Institute. “As an organization focused on young adults transitioning out of foster care, we believe this bill strengthens the foundation they need to secure safe housing, pursue their education and careers, and enter adulthood with hope and confidence rather than uncertainty. With this legislation, Congressman Cleaver has elevated both the legal protections and lived experiences of children and young adults in care, and we are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment to foster youth.”

Due to America’s deeply fragmented foster care system and underinvestment in foster youth, children in foster care are at a significant disadvantage, with one report finding that adults aged 22-44 who have ever been in foster care were twice as likely to lack either a high school diploma or GED compared to their peers who have never been in foster care. According to the Fist Star Institute, 11 states received a “D” or “F” grade on their legal rights for foster youth.

The Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution affirms the basic rights all foster children are entitled to, including the right:

  1. To receive an education and remain in their original school, if desired;
  2. To participate in extracurricular, cultural, and social activities appropriate to the youth’s age and developmental needs;
  3. To receive needed health services, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health services;
  4. To freedom from abuse, neglect, or corporal punishment;
  5. To be represented by, and speak to, a guardian or attorney ad litem;
  6. To adequate and healthy food, adequate clothing, and a safe and comfortable living environment;
  7. To freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or disability;
  8. To have continued contact with siblings, if desired;
  9. To regular or at least reasonable contact with their assigned caseworker or an employee of the agency responsible for their child welfare services; and
  10. To be informed of their rights.

The Foster Youth Bill of Rights is endorsed by FosterClub, Child Welfare League of America, and National Foster Youth Institute.

The Foster Youth Bill of Rights is cosponsored by Reps. Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Gwen Moore (D-WI).

Official text of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights is available here. 

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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Reps. Cleaver, DeLauro, and 30 House Lawmakers Call for Additional Support to Small and Specialty Farmers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), along with 30 other House Democrats, called on the Trump administration to include small and specialty crop farms if the Administration moves forward with any federal effort to provide economic relief for farm losses due to President Trump’s trade wars.

“This is a crisis, and it is worsening every day,” the legislators wrote. “If your Administration moves forward with plans to provide economic relief to large farmers suffering due to high input costs and lost export markets, you must not forget about small and medium-sized farms, family farms, and specialty crop farmers. These farmers are vital to local economies and are the backbone of our nation’s food supply. They provide fresh fruit and vegetables to local stores, feed our families, and power rural communities by creating jobs and supporting local businesses. The loss of even more small farms will devastate communities, restrict the food supply, and have long-term economic and food security ramifications for the United States and for the world.”

The president’s trade wars have closed access to critical foreign markets that American producers depend on, lowering the value of crops like soybeans, which are Missouri’s largest commodity crop, and driving up farm bankruptcies. The value of U.S. soybean exports to China never fully recovered after the U.S. tariff war with China in President Trump’s first term, when the value of U.S. soybean exports to China plunged from $14 billion in 2016 to $3.1 billion in 2018. At the same time the soybean markets are under threat, farmers are being hit with higher input costs from Trump’s tariff war.

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC), Gabe Amo (D-RI), Becca Balint (D-VT), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Julia Brownley (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), Ed Case (D-HI), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Josh Harder (D-CA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill Keating (D-MA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), John Larson (D-CT), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Patrick Ryan (D-NY), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

Official text of the letter is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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Cleaver Among Lawmakers Calling on Trump Administration to Stop Politicizing Houses of Worship; Defend Separation of Church and State Ahead of Court Arguments

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

Lawmakers to Trump Administration: Taxpayers should not be “compelled to subsidize political speech.”

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), a Methodist Minister for over 5 decades, Representative James Clyburn (D-SC), Chairman of the Democratic Faith Working Group, and Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Jared Huffman (D-CA), along with Senator Ron Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, led lawmakers in objecting to the Trump Administration’s attempts to exempt two specific organizations from the law. In a new letter to Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Scott Bessent, the lawmakers urged the Trump Administration to withdraw a proposed settlement in National Religious Broadcasters Association v. Bessent which carves out exceptions to the foundational principle of separation of church and state.

For the past 70 years, a provision of the tax code known as the Johnson Amendment has insulated nonprofits, faith-based organizations and houses of worship from electoral politics. In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits and houses of worship cannot engage in tax-exempt political speech. Despite widespread support for the Johnson Amendment among thousands of nonprofits and houses of worship, the Trump Administration reversed course on a lawsuit targeting the Johnson Amendment in an attempt to exempt two churches from complying with the law. 

“Congress has considered and rejected multiple attempts to modify the Johnson Amendment,” the lawmakers wrote. “Members have long understood the moral imperative of shielding nonprofit service organizations, including houses of worship, from electoral politics while protecting taxpayers from being compelled to subsidize political speech. Your Proposed Consent Decree is nothing more than a transparent end-run around Congress, which has consistently rejected attempts to change this 70-year-old law.”

“The Proposed Consent Decree seeks to exempt two specific organizations favored by the government out of the more than 1.5 million 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States from following the law,” the lawmakers continued. They noted that the reasoning in the proposed settlement “blows the door wide open for both secular nonprofits and all other religious organizations to petition the courts for their own free pass to engage in tax-exempt electoral speech. This settlement radically reinterprets the law and creates another opening for political actors to use charitable nonprofits to anonymously funnel unlimited money into elections.”

“The IRS should reject the false tension that the religious Right has tried to create between these two principles,” the lawmakers concluded. “The Religious Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses are equally essential, and they stand best when they stand together.”

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and André Carson (D-IN), along with Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

The official letter is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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Rep. Cleaver Leads Call to Restore Displays Honoring Black Servicemembers at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) led 33 House lawmakers in urging the administration to restore displays commemorating the contributions of Black soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial that were recently removed. In a letter to the Acting Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, the lawmakers also requested information on why the displays were removed and the process that led to the decision.

“More than one million African Americans fought in WWII, most of whom served in segregated units,” the lawmakers wrote. “They were willing to die for a country that didn’t dignify them with equal opportunities, accommodations, or recognition. Among the thousands of American soldiers laid to rest in Margraten are 172 Black servicemen.

“Following a months-long crusade against diversity initiatives, including attacks on the National Museum of African American History and the removal of slavery exhibits in some national parks, this action marks this administration’s latest attempt to erase not only Black history, but our shared American history,” the lawmakers continued.

“As our country commemorates its veterans this month, it is troubling to see the administration erase many of their contributions,” the lawmakers concluded.

In addition to calling on the ABMC to restore the displays, the lawmakers requested response to the following questions:

  1. Why were the two displays removed from the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial?
    1. Was the removal related to the administration’s anti-DEI initiatives?
  2. Does the ABMC intend to erase all exhibits acknowledging the accomplishments of Black servicemen?
  3. Does the ABMC no longer recognize the contributions made by the 960th QMSC?
    1. Are the sacrifices of the Black servicemen buried in Margraten no longer valued by the ABMC?
  4. Will the ABMC commit to putting the panels back on display?
    1. If so, when will the panels be put back on display?

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Herbert Conaway (D-NJ), Danny Davis (D-IL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Al Green (D-TX), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), Mike Quigley (D-IL), David Scott (D-GA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

Official text of the letter is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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Reps. Cleaver, Rose Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Housing Costs, Increase Supply Nationwide

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee, and John Rose (R-TN), along with Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE), Lou Correa (D-CA), Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), and Scott Peters (D-CA), introduced the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025. The legislation, which has broad bipartisan support, will remove a federal chassis requirement that has served to unnecessarily raise the price of manufactured housing. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

Since 1974, federal law has required that manufactured homes include a permanently installed chassis that allows it to be moved even after installation.  This has significantly reduced the ability of young and low-income families to buy their own homes. Removing the permanent-chassis requirement for manufactured homes will lower construction costs, unlock modern design flexibility, and open far more locations for quality, affordable housing.

“Manufactured housing is a key component to the nation’s supply of quality, safe, and affordable housing,” said Ranking Member Cleaver. “By removing an outdated requirement that manufactured homes retain a permanent chassis, we can increase design innovation, reduce costs, and provide relief to more American families and communities. I look forward to working with Representative Rose and our colleagues to see this bipartisan, common sense update passed into law.”

“Manufactured housing is a great way to get more families into homes that they own,” Rep. Rose said. “Rent prices across Tennessee continue to soar because demand for housing still far exceeds supply. By striking this outdated restriction on manufactured homes, my legislation will increase supply and ultimately help bring home prices down for everyone.”

“In order to get more young families on the path towards achieving the American Dream, we need more single-family homes at affordable price points. Manufactured homes are one type of product that can help fill that void in our market,” said Congressman Flood. “The Housing Supply Expansion Act updates outdated rules applying to manufactured housing, and it makes changes that will ultimately get more supply on the market. I am proud to join Congressman John Rose, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Congressman Scott Peters, Congressman Lou Correa and Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz in introducing this very important piece of legislation.”

“Manufactured housing is one of the most affordable options on the market, but outdated regulations are keeping new designs from becoming widely available,” Rep. Correa said. “This legislation is a win-win, it unlocks more opportunities for affordable housing in California, without driving up costs for the government.”

“Access to affordable housing is a top concern for South Texas families.,” said Rep. De La Cruz. “By updating outdated regulations and cutting red tape, the Housing Supply Expansion Act will expand housing options and open the door for innovation in manufactured housing. As Vice Chair of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring families can find a home that meets their needs and achieve their dream of homeownership.”

“San Diego suffers from a housing crisis that threatens prosperity; we can help remedy this by building more affordable and accessible housing,” said Rep. Peters. “The Housing Supply Expansion Act will make it easier and cheaper to build manufactured homes. This provision has already advanced through the Senate. I look forward to working with Congressman Rose to get this bill across the finish line so we can put homeownership back within reach for countless San Diegans.”  

Official text of the Housing Supply Expansion Act is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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Norton Highlights Technology to Reduce Aircraft Noise in Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation Hearing on Advanced Air Mobility

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks and question line after speaking at today’s Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation hearing on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a term that refers to electric aircraft or unmanned aircraft. Norton used the hearing as an opportunity to highlight how AAM produces less aviation noise than a conventional aircraft, particularly through the ability of some electric models to take-off and land virtually. 

Norton’s remarks follow, as prepared for delivery.

Remarks of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

House Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation Hearing on “America Builds: The State of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Industry”

December 3, 2025

As a co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus and the member who represents the District of Columbia, which is plagued by airplane and helicopter noise, I support advanced air mobility technology that can reduce aviation noise.  I am pleased we were able to get advanced aviation mobility provisions included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.  Advanced aviation mobility that allows for electric vertical takeoff and landing would be especially beneficial to airport-adjacent communities like DC, since takeoffs and landings are a source of aviation noise. 

Q: Mr. Clark, in your testimony, you mentioned the noise benefits of electric airplanes and helicopters.  Could this technology be incorporated into the federal government helicopters that frequently fly over the District of Columbia?

Q: What else can Congress do to facilitate the development of low noise advanced aviation mobility?

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Norton Disappointed After Oversight Committee Passage of ‘Paternalistic, Anti-Home Rule, and Antidemocratic’ Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

The Committee also pulled Norton’s bill to rename a post office after Chuck Brown from the agenda less than an hour before the markup began.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released a statement after the House Oversight Committee marked up and passed an anti-home rule bill and pulled Norton’s bill to rename a post office in D.C. after Chuck Brown, the “Godfather of Go-Go,” from the agenda less than an hour before the markup began.

The bill introduced by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) would prohibit D.C. from requiring courts and administrative proceedings to defer to the mayor’s interpretation of statutes and regulations. Norton’s bill, which the Committee planned to mark up but pulled from consideration, would rename the post office at 3401 12th Street NE after musician and singer Chuck Brown, the “Godfather of Go-Go.” The Committee chose not to mark up the bill at the last minute because Chuck Brown served time in prison.

“I’m disappointed Rep. Hageman’s paternalistic, anti-home rule, and antidemocratic bill was marked up and passed by the Oversight Committee today. If enacted, the bill would radically change how local D.C. laws and regulations are interpreted,” Norton said. “The local D.C. courts have deferred to the D.C. executive branch’s reasonable interpretations of ambiguous statutes and regulations for decades without incident. The D.C. Council, which was elected by D.C. residents, took the extra step of codifying this deference. That’s the democratic process at work, and it should not be overturned by Republicans in Congress who represent far-away districts. 

“The Committee unceremoniously removed my bill to rename a post office for Chuck Brown from today’s agenda because he served time in prison. Chuck Brown was a Washingtonian for most of his life. He created Go-Go, the official music of D.C., and shaped the District’s cultural identity,” Norton said.

“Chuck Brown is a legend. D.C. loved him and he loved D.C. His impact on our history, our culture, and American music is undeniable, and it is unfortunate that some on the Committee would object to honoring him.”

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Norton Releases Statement Ahead of Today’s Markup of Two D.C. Bills

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

The Oversight Committee will mark up the two bills at 10:00 a.m. today. The live stream is available to view here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her markup statement on a bill introduced by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), as prepared for delivery, ahead of today’s House Oversight Committee markup of two D.C.-related bills. 

The first bill, introduced by Rep. Hageman, would prohibit D.C. from requiring courts and administrative proceedings to defer to the mayor’s interpretation of statutes and regulations. The second is Norton’s bill to rename the post office at 3401 12th Street NE after musician and singer Chuck Brown, the “Godfather of Go-Go.”

“Rep. Hageman’s antidemocratic and paternalistic bill could radically change how local D.C. laws and regulations are interpreted,” Norton said. “For decades, the local D.C. courts have deferred to the D.C. executive branch’s reasonable interpretations of ambiguous statutes and regulations. The D.C. Council, which was elected by D.C. residents, took the extra step of codifying this deference, which should stand.”

“I am pleased, however, that the Committee is marking up my bill to rename the post office at 3401 12th Street NE after Chuck Brown. As the ‘Godfather of Go-Go,’ he gave D.C. a unique hometown sound that was distinctly our own and brought enjoyment to all who heard him here and throughout the nation. Chuck Brown loved the District, and naming post office after him is a way D.C. can honor him in return.”

Norton’s markup statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Markup of H.R. 3766

December 2, 2025

I strongly oppose this undemocratic and paternalistic bill.  This bill would repeal the District of Columbia’s Review of Agency Action Clarification Amendment Act of 2025 and prohibit D.C. from enacting such a law in the future.  This bill would further restrict D.C.’s authority to enact and carry out local laws and policies.

D.C. local self-government is under unprecedented attack by Republicans in Congress and President Trump.  This Congress, Republicans have introduced nearly 90 bills, amendments and riders to repeal, block or amend local D.C. laws and policies.

The over 700,000 D.C. residents, the majority of whom are Black and Brown, are capable and worthy of governing themselves.  If residents do not like how the members of the D.C. Council vote, residents can vote them out of office or pass a ballot measure.  That is democracy.  If D.C. residents do not like how the members of Congress vote on local D.C. matters, residents cannot vote them out of office.  That is the antithesis of democracy.

I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a joint letter opposing this bill from the D.C. Mayor, the D.C. Council Chairman and the D.C. Attorney General, all of whom were elected by D.C. residents.

The substance of this bill should be irrelevant, since there is never justification for Congress to legislate on local D.C. matters, but I will discuss it.

This bill could radically change how local D.C. laws and regulations are interpreted.  For decades, the local D.C. courts have deferred to the D.C. executive branch’s reasonable interpretation of ambiguous statutes and regulations. However, after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision last year, which overruled Chevron, a question arose about whether the local D.C. courts would overrule their own longstanding deference precedent, which was similar to Chevron deference. In response, the D.C. Council enacted the Review of Agency Action Clarification Amendment Act, which codified that longstanding local precedent.

D.C. residents have all the obligations of American citizenship, including paying federal taxes, serving on juries and registering with the Selective Service, yet Congress denies them full local self-government and voting representation in Congress.  The only solution to this undemocratic treatment is to grant D.C. statehood. 

The D.C. statehood bill, H.R. 51, grants D.C. residents full local self-government and voting representation in Congress.  H.R. 51 reduces the size of the federal district from 68 square miles to two square miles, consisting of the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the National Mall.  The residential and commercial areas of D.C. would be a new state. 

I urge members to vote NO on H.R. 3766.  Free D.C.

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