Bill · H.R. 4670· House(119-HR-4670)
To subject emergency legislation enacted by the District of Columbia Council to expedited congressional disapproval procedures.
- Introduced
- 7/23/2025
- Last activity
- 7/23/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Harriet Hageman
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to change how the District of Columbia Council handles emergency legislation. It amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to subject these emergency acts to expedited congressional disapproval procedures. Under this proposal, emergency acts would take effect immediately upon enactment. However, the Chairman of the Council would be required to transmit these acts to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate within three session days. This ensures Congress has a specific window to act via a joint resolution of disapproval.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill increases federal authority by providing Congress with a mechanism to more quickly review and potentially overturn D.C. emergency acts.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2
The bill requires the transmission of emergency acts to Congressional leadership within three session days, ensuring faster notification.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
The bill reduces the autonomy of the D.C. Council by subjecting its emergency legislation to expedited congressional oversight.
Would people in cities be better off under this?-3
The bill may impact D.C. residents by increasing federal oversight and the potential to overturn locally enacted emergency measures.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Immediate Implementation of Emergency Measures: According to Section 1, paragraph (2)(A)(iii), emergency acts would take effect immediately upon enactment. This could be positive for situations requiring a swift response to emergency circumstances.
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Increased Congressional Oversight: The bill amends section 412(a) to allow for a joint resolution of disapproval before the expiration of the ninety-day period. This provides a mechanism for Congress to review and potentially overturn emergency legislation enacted by the District of Columbia Council.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Administrative Burden for the Council: Section 1, paragraph (2)(A)(iii) requires the Chairman of the Council to transmit emergency acts to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate within three session days. This creates a specific new requirement for the Council's leadership to follow during emergencies.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Government Transparency+2Increase States Rights-5
- 7/23/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.