Congress Takes Action on DC Voting Rights and Police Bargaining

On June 10th, the House of Representatives took significant steps impacting the District of Columbia, passing two pivotal bills. The first targets non-citizen voting, aiming to overturn a recent law allowing non-citizens to participate in local elections.

This bill, which garnered 266 votes in favor, 148 against, and one abstention, would effectively repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022. This move directly challenges the District’s home rule, highlighting the ongoing tension between local autonomy and Congressional oversight.

Simultaneously, the House also passed a bill granting Washington D.C. police officers collective bargaining rights and reinstating statutes of limitations on police disciplinary cases. This legislation secured 235 votes in favor, 178 against, and one abstention.

The passage of both bills underscores the ongoing debate surrounding local governance in the nation’s capital and the balance of power between the District and Congress. The implications of these decisions are far-reaching, affecting not only the electorate but also law enforcement practices within the District of Columbia.