H.R. 5968: District of Columbia Full Self-Government Act

111th Congress · introduced 2010-07-29 · Government Operations and Politics · Latest: Referred to House Ways and Means

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2010-07-29 · official record
Who proposed it: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Referred to House Ways and Means Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

District of Columbia Full Self-Government Act

Plain summary

District of Columbia Full Self-Government Act - Declares that: (1) this Act shall have no effect on existing law or regulation unless otherwise repealed or amended by this Act or an Act of Congress; and (2) the legislative power of the District shall extend to all rightful subjects of legislation within the District consistent with the U.S. Constitution and the provisions of this Act, subject to all the restrictions and limitations imposed upon the states by the Constitution. Establishes a Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of the Mayor. Prescribes requirements for treatment of District employees formerly covered by the Federal Civil Service System. Prohibits the Mayor's planning responsibility from extending to federal and District international projects and developments. Prescribes requirements granting the President emergency control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Declares that the District's judicial powers and the provisions of the District charter applicable to District judges and courts shall be those set forth in the District of Columbia Home Rule Act as in effect on the enactment of this Act. Subjects the process by which the District develops and enacts its fiscal year budget and related financial management activities to such laws as the District may enact. Declares that the full faith and credit of the United States is not pledged for any District obligations, nor is the United States responsible or liable for them. Exempts all District bonds and notes (and interest) from federal taxation, except estate, inheritance, and gift taxes. Authorizes certain entities to invest in District bonds and notes. Reserves Congress the right to exercise constitutional authority as legislature for the District. Repeals the District of Columbia Home Rule Act (establishing the existing District charter), but not any provision of law amended or repealed by such Act.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

District of Columbia Full Self-Government Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)

AI explanation – may be wrong, check the official text

No AI explanation yet. It takes up to a minute to write and is then saved for everyone.

Limited to a few requests an hour per person.

The strongest published arguments

Arguments for (supporters)

Needs sources: no published arguments on this side yet. We only show items backed by a published source. Suggest one.

Arguments against (opponents)

Needs sources: no published arguments on this side yet. We only show items backed by a published source. Suggest one.

Alternatives

Needs sources: no published alternatives yet (for example a different bill, a law instead of an amendment, or keeping current law). We only show items backed by a published source. Suggest one.

How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] · 0 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Sponsor's campaign money: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] reported raising $53,775 (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (5)

Bond: A way to borrow money. A government sells bonds to raise money now and promises to pay it back with interest over time. Bonds repaid from taxes often need voter approval.
Fiscal year: The 12-month period a government uses for its budget. The federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30 and is named for the calendar year in which it ends. Most states use July 1 to June 30.
Legislature: The elected body that makes laws. In Texas it has a House of Representatives (150 members) and a Senate (31 members). In Florida it has a House of Representatives (120 members) and a Senate (40 members).
Obligation: A binding promise by a government agency to pay money, for example by signing a contract or awarding a grant. Spending data such as USAspending.gov counts money when it is obligated, which can be before it is actually paid out.
Rulemaking: The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-111hr5968.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/111/hr>

Record fed-us-cong111-hr5968 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong111 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong111