dc aplleseed solving dc problems

DC Appleseed Executive Director Walter Smith testified to the Council that the District needs to supplement efforts to advance self-determination in Congress with a strategy that originates locally. 

For many years, D.C. leaders have sought to expand democracy through congressional legislation. However, these attempts have consistently faced resistance or have been amended to include riders that are unacceptable to the District’s locally elected officials. 

Recognizing this, the Council should adopt a new strategy that makes full use of its broad legislative authority from Congress in the Home Rule Act. The Act grants the Council certain powers that have been sparingly used but may be tools in the struggle for local democracy. Examples of these include the ability to amend the Charter by referendum and amend or repeal acts of Congress that apply exclusively to the District. 

The Council is considering legislation that will charge a commission with celebrating 40th anniversary of the Home Rule Act. The best way to commemorate the Act would be to build off its advances by having the commission explore this potential new strategy.

Click here to read and click here to watch Mr. Smith’s testimony.