Eleanor Holmes Norton: “I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from more than 100 groups led by D.C. Vote…”

“I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from more than 100 groups led by D.C. Vote calling on Congress to keep its hands off of D.C. February 7, 2023. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Washington, DC. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Washington, DC. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Washington, DC. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Washington, DC. Dear Congressional Leadership: Congress Should Stay Out of the District of Columbia's Local Affairs We, the undersigned organizations, representing millions of Americans from across the country, are concerned about the numerous measures that have been introduced that will unjustly undermine critical local decisions made by the people of the District of Columbia and their elected leadership. These local laws were enacted to address important local concerns, most notably criminal justice reform, reproductive freedom, democracy and equal treatment under the law. Efforts by members of Congress to impose legislative ``riders'' or pass disapproval resolutions usurp the prerogative of the District of Columbia's elected mayor and council and the residents they represent. We also urge Congress to refrain from taking action that could threaten the District's Local Budget Autonomy Act. The Act allows the District to spend local tax dollars based on its local budget at the beginning of the new fiscal year.…”