The Public Record
Eleanor Holmes Norton is an American attorney and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for the District of Columbia since 1991. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been a strong advocate for D.C. statehood and local autonomy. Throughout her tenure, Norton has focused on issues such as civil rights, education, and public safety, often emphasizing the unique challenges faced by residents of the District of Columbia. She has been vocal against federal interference in local governance, arguing for the rights of D.C. residents to have representation and control over their own affairs.
★ Featured Quote
September 3, 2025
Our local police force should not be subject to federalization, an action that wouldn't be possible for any other police department in the country.
— Eleanor Holmes Norton
I will use every tool at my disposal to stop these riders from becoming law, and I commit to reminding my fellow lawmakers across the aisle that D.C. residents deserve the same consideration as their own constituents at every opportunity.
I am outraged at the number and scope of anti-D.C. home rule riders in the bill released today.
In my long career representing D.C. residents in Congress, I have rarely seen a bill as unreasonable and patronizing to the more than 700,000 people who live in the nation’s capital as this one.
We are grateful as well for the continuing and beneficial attention of Ranking Member Mary Landrieu.
In my view, the District of Columbia is the crown jewel of the Nation and our resources and financial standing should reflect the District's status as the Nation's capital.
Without this bill, the long-term viability of the District of Columbia is again at risk.
I hope that the Senate will ultimately see fit to join me in my bill, the Fair Federal Contribution Act.
May I also say how much we respect the way you have respected home rule and self government.
Politicians like Eleanor Holmes Norton
