Norton introduces legislation to give D.C. legislative autonomy

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) introduced legislation yesterday that would give the District of Columbia legislative autonomy by ending congressional review of the District’s civil and criminal laws.

The current lengthy review period from Congress is "particularly unfair and costly" to D.C. "because the congressional layover period involves only legislative days, when Congress is in session, not ordinary calendar days," a press release from Norton’s office read. Norton noted that legislative autonomy would allow D.C. to enact local laws without congressional management.

"My bill would eliminate the formal review system that has died of old age and disuse," Norton said in a speech on the House floor yesterday.