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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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Norton Introduces Bill to Give D.C. Authority Over Dates of Special Elections for Local Offices

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced the District of Columbia Special Elections Home Rule Act, which would give the District complete authority to set the date of special elections for local offices, as other jurisdictions already have. The bill would remove a limitation on the District that is not only inconsistent with the self-government authority granted by the Home Rule Act, but is also counterproductive. This bill would strengthen the District’s home-rule authority and does not require statehood.

“Originally, the Home Rule Act required the Board of Elections to hold special elections on the first Tuesday more than 114 days from when the vacancy occurred,” Norton said. “This inflexibility led to special elections being held on religious holidays and forced the District to hold a special election separate from an upcoming general election, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary extra costs. A 2012 law I got enacted requires the Board of Elections to hold a special election on a Tuesday occurring between 70 and 174 days after the vacancy. This bill would provide even greater flexibility for the District.”

Pending passage and enactment of her D.C. statehood bill, Norton introduces legislation to reduce the federal government’s control over local D.C. matters and to expand D.C. equality.

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Norton Secures Victories in Senate D.C. Appropriations Bill

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced the victories she secured in the Senate’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 District of Columbia Appropriations bill, which was released yesterday. In addition to other victories for D.C., the bill would secure $40 million for the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG) and increase the DCTAG annual and lifetime awards. Notably, the bill does not contain 18 of the anti-home rule riders included in the House version of the bill.

Norton secured the following victories:

  • The bill provides $40 million for DCTAG, an increase in the annual DCTAG award from $10,000 to $15,000, and an increase in the lifetime DCTAG award from $50,000 to $75,000.
  • The bill has only the two existing legacy riders, prohibiting D.C. from spending its own local funds on abortion services for low-income women and prohibiting D.C. from spending its own local funds to commercialize adult-use marijuana, whereas the House version of the bill contained 20 anti-home rule riders.
  • The bill would provide $50 million for emergency planning and security costs related to the federal presence in D.C.
  • The bill exempts D.C. from federal government shutdowns in FY 2027.
  • The bill provides $6 million for D.C. Water for ongoing work to control flooding in D.C. and to clean up the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and Rock Creek Park.
  • The bill provides $4 million to combat HIV/AIDS in D.C.
  • The bill provides $600,000 for the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program.

Norton expressed disappointment that the bill would continue to prohibit the District from spending its own local funds on abortion services for low-income women and on recreational marijuana commercialization.

“Although I am disappointed that the marijuana and abortion riders are included yet again in the D.C. appropriation bill, I am pleased that the 18 other riders that were included in the House version were not,” Norton said. “D.C. has a larger population than two states, and its residents are equally worthy of deciding their own local affairs. The 700,000 people who live in the nation’s capital are no less worthy of the benefits of democracy than any other American, and I will use every tool at my disposal to see that they receive as many of those benefits as possible.”

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CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF BISHOP REGINALD JACKSON

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) shared the following statement upon the passing of Bishop Reginald Jackson:

“Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson was a revered leader and a steadfast advocate for justice, equality, and compassion. His unwavering commitment to serving both our faith community and the broader society has left an indelible mark on countless lives both in Georgia and beyond.

“He tirelessly pursued social justice, education, and community service and was instrumental in addressing the pressing challenges of our time. 

“Though we are deeply saddened by his loss, we take comfort in his legacy which will continue to inspire future generations.

“My wife, Vivian, and I extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his ministry. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately championed.”

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BISHOP, KIGGANS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN STAY ACT TO IMPROVE MILITARY FAMILY STABILITY BY REDUCING MOVES

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

PHOTO: Congressman Bishop welcomes presenters and audience members to the 2025 Military Family Summit hosted by the Congressional Military Family Caucus at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Georgia in August.

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Military Families Caucus, introduced H.R. 6146, the Stabilizing Tours to Advance Readiness (STAY) Act, a bipartisan bill to reduce unnecessary Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves and improve quality of life for military families.

Military families move every 2–3 years, often with little predictability. This creates challenges for retention, spouse employment, children’s education, and community stability. These frequent moves also impose substantial costs on the Department of Defense.

The STAY Act requires the Department of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of PCS frequency and Navy sea–shore rotations, and to identify opportunities to extend tour lengths where mission readiness would not be affected.

“Our servicemembers put themselves in harm’s way and make huge sacrifices in defense of our country. By instructing the Defense Department to review PCS frequency, not only are we ensuring that we do our best to reduce waste and improve efficiency as well as retention, but also we are creating greater stability for our military families so that they can live, learn, work, and enjoy stronger ties to the communities in which they live,” said Rep. Bishop.

“As a Navy veteran, military spouse, and mom of a servicemember, I know how disruptive constant PCS moves can be,” said Rep. Kiggans. “Frequent relocations strain families, impact children’s education, and make it harder for military spouses to build stable careers. The STAY Act takes a data-driven approach to reduce unnecessary moves, strengthen family stability, and help the services retain the talented people they need to win.”

About the STAY Act

The bill requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to submit a report to Congress evaluating ways to reduce unnecessary moves and rotations. Specifically, the report must:

  • Analyze PCS and sea–shore rotation costs and the potential savings of reducing move frequency;
  • Assess the impacts of frequent PCS moves on retention, spouse employment, and children’s education;
  • Identify billets and duty stations where longer tours would be feasible without harming readiness or career progression;
  • Recommend any legislative or policy changes needed to pilot or implement longer tour lengths.

Why It Matters

Frequent PCS moves create well-documented challenges for military families, including:

  • Spouse unemployment rates consistently 3–5 times the national average;
  • School transitions that disrupt academic achievement and special education continuity;
  • Loss of community ties and support networks;
  • Significant relocation costs borne by DoD and taxpayers.

Virginia’s Second Congressional District is home to thousands of Navy families and NAS Oceana and Georgia’s Second Congressional District, home to a multitude of Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps families at Ft. Benning, Robins AFB, and Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany. Reducing unnecessary moves for these communities, as well as the hundreds of others across the country and world that are home to U.S. military installations, would provide greater stability for local schools, employers, and service members.

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Congressman Danny K. Davis Recognized as the Most Effective Democratic House Member on Welfare Policy by the Center for Effective Lawmaking

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

Chicago, Il — Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07) has been named the most effective Democratic lawmaker in the U.S. House of Representatives on Welfare policy for the 118th Congress, according to the newly released Interest & Legislative Effectiveness Scores from the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL).

CEL’s comprehensive analysis ranks Members of Congress based on their ability to advance substantive, meaningful legislation. Congressman Davis earned the top ranking among all House Democrats in the Welfare policy arena—an area in which he has long been a national leader, championing legislation to strengthen social safety-net programs, reduce poverty, support children and families, expand access to healthcare, and promote economic mobility.

“I have spent my entire career fighting to ensure every person, no matter their circumstance, has access to opportunity, dignity, and the basic supports needed to thrive,” said Congressman Danny K. Davis. “This recognition reflects the work of my staff, my colleagues in Congress, and the advocates and organizations on the ground in Chicago and across the nation who push us to keep expanding justice. Our communities deserve effective representation, and I will continue legislating with urgency and purpose.”

Davis has consistently been one of Congress’ most active lawmakers on issues central to working families and vulnerable populations, authoring and advancing legislation on child welfare, foster care, reentry, nutrition programs, childcare access, and family economic stability.

CEL’s full analysis and rankings are publicly available:
• Executive Summary: https://thelawmakers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/118th_ILES_Highlights_final_20251117.pdf
• Full Scores: https://thelawmakers.org/find-representatives

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Amodei Celebrates Nevada’s First Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Amodei released the following statement after celebrating the annual Capitol Christmas Tree lighting. This year’s tree was selected from the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, marking the first time Nevada has been represented in this tradition. 

“Watching a tree, grown in the heart of Nevada’s Second Congressional District, light up the West Lawn of the Capitol stands as one of the most memorable and meaningful moments of my service in Congress,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “Nevadans know the beauty of our state, and this year, for the first time since this tradition began, that beauty was shared with the nation.

“I’d like to extend a special thank you to everyone who was involved, from the selection of the tree to its careful journey to Washington, D.C. This was a proud day for Nevada, and I was honored to be part of it.”

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Members of Congress recognize National Family Caregivers Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

63 million Americans provide unpaid, essential care to loved ones who have chronic illnesses or disabilities or face age-related health challenges

WASHINGTON (November 20, 2025) – Members of Congress are introducing resolutions in the House and Senate designating November as National Family Caregivers Month to honor the work of the 63 million Americans who provide unpaid, essential family care each year. 

Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA), lead sponsor of the House resolution, said, “Family caregivers provide unpaid care worth an estimated $600 billion per year and play a vital role in America’s health care system, supporting loved ones who have chronic illnesses or disabilities or are facing age-related health challenges. We should do more to support them.”

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), co-lead sponsor, said, “Family caregivers represent one of the most indispensable yet overlooked pillars of our nation’s health care economy. They shoulder extraordinary responsibility—balancing careers, families, and the daily realities of providing care—with little recognition and even less relief. Our bipartisan resolution is about more than acknowledgment; it’s about accountability. It calls on our colleagues and our partners at every level to champion policies that better support caregivers, strengthen our long-term care infrastructure, and ensure that compassion is matched with commitment.”

In just the past five years, the number of family caregivers has grown by 10 million and is projected to continue to increase due to growing populations of older adults and people with disabilities, the long-standing shortage of direct care workers, and the lack of affordable, accessible child care for children with disabilities. 

The House resolution encourages federal agencies, states, and the private sector to swiftly implement the remaining steps and build upon the current progress of the steps described in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The text of the House resolution is available here.

Endorsing organizations include the National Alliance for Caregiving, AARP, National Council on Aging, and Caring Across Generations.

Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are introducing a similar resolution in the Senate.

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Stauber Introduces Bill to Ensure Water Quality in Great Lakes Region and Throughout U.S.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) introduced the American Water Stewardship Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for several long-standing programs to maintain and improve water quality throughout the nation, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

“The Great Lakes are not only national treasures, but economic powerhouses, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative helps keep these waters clean and safe for all Americans to enjoy,” said Congressman Stauber. “Lake Superior is the backdrop of countless special memories for many Minnesota families, and I am proud to work on legislation that will preserve and protect these waters for future generations.”

“The Great Lakes are one of the best things about living in Michigan. They’re important to our jobs, how we spend our time off, and our drinking water; so many things depend on the health of the Great Lakes,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “I’m working with Democrats and Republicans to make sure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative keeps going so we have this treasure for generations.”

In addition to the GLRI, the American Water Stewardship Act reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Island Sound and Columbia River Basin Restoration programs, the National Estuary Program, and the EPA’s BEACH Act program. All of these programs will help address water quality issues and carry out ecosystem restoration projects around the country.

Background: The GLRI provides the most significant investment in the Great Lakes ecosystem – the largest system of fresh surface water in the world – targeting Areas of Concern, invasive species, non-point source pollution, and projects to support habitats and local species. More than 8,000 projects have been carried out through the GLRI program in partnership with states, non-profits, and other community partners, generating more than $3 in economic activity for every federal dollar invested through the GLRI program.

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