Republican-Led House Moves To Stop D.C.’s Illegal Immigrant Voting Plan

On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved a resolution to stop Washington, D.C. from allowing noncitizens, such as illegal immigrants, to vote at local elections.

Forty-two Democrats were a part of the group The Republicans were the majority to vote against the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act by the D.C. Council Passed in 2022.

Another resolution focused on the nation’s capital, which aims to block D.C. from overhauling its criminal code, The House was also approved Thursday

“Today the House took the first step to prevent two of the D.C. Council’s irresponsible and dangerous laws from going into effect,” James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee (R-KY), introduced the D.C. voting resolution. “These misguided efforts would allow crime to run rampant and disenfranchise American citizens in our nation’s capital.”

The Home Rule allows Congress to review any legislation passed before it becomes law by the D.C. Council.

The D.C. bill that allows non-citizens vote in local elections but not in federal elections would be in effect in 2024. DCist is a local news outlet. Upon its passing last year, the bill’s lead sponsor, Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, She boasted about how beautiful she was “championed expanding voting rights so that those who have made the District their home have the right for their voices to be heard in our local issues, no matter their immigration status.”

The other bill, the one overhauling D.C.’s century-old criminal code, would not take effect until October 2025. Although the bill’s supporters argue it updates and improves an obsolete system, critics fear that it could encourage wrongdoing through lowering penalties for certain offenses.

D.C. Mayor Muriel (D) vetoed changes to the criminal code, but the D.C. Council voted against the veto. Bowser proposed targeted modifications to the revised code. These included restoring maximum penalties in gun crimes and carjackings as well as delaying their implementation until 2027. Per NBC Washington.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D–DC) attacked Republicans in Congress for introducing “undemocratic” “paternalistic” Resolutions to override the D.C. Council

“Instead of abusing its power over D.C. by nullifying legislation enacted by the D.C. Council, the House should adhere to democratic principles and pass my D.C. statehood bill, which would give D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and full control over their local affairs,” In prepared remarks, Norton stated.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, accused her GOP counterparts of making a speech. “expanding” They support disenfranchisement “overwhelmingly black city,” By pointing out that D.C. is already a stateless entity.

“The D.C. City Council has the right to determine its policies for D.C. residents,” She spoke. “And if any member of this body does not like that, they can feel free to change their registration, resign their post and run for D.C. City Council.”

“The D.C. City Council has the right to determine its policies for D.C. residents. And if any member of this body does not like that, they can feel free to change their registration, resign their post and run for D.C. City Council.” pic.twitter.com/NQMf6QEJFd

— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@RepAOC) February 9, 2023

Both the House and Senate resolutions adopted on Thursday have to be approved by Democrats-controlled Senate and signed by President Obama. It wasn’t immediately clear if the upper chamber would consider them.

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