Since the Republican Majority took over in the House of Representatives this January, the United States Congress has created a closer relationship with its neighbors to the north (and south, east and west): The residents of the District of Columbia.However, its not as great as it sounds. From education, Congresswoman Norton's vote in the Committee of the Whole, needle exchange and even "reproductive health services" (a.k.a abortions), Congress is taking the helm in D.C., to the dismay of residents and the city government.
The Batch' Blog's Top 3 DC-Congressional Mishaps in 2011 (thus far).
- Congresswoman Norton's Vote in the Committee of the Whole: Just days in the new Republican majority in the House of Representatives, it was decided that the vote Norton was given in the Committee of the Whole (a term that refers to the times when the House serves as a committee to decide on certain legislation) would be stripped away. This vote also gave Norton the authority to vote on taxing and spending bills (as long as it was not a deciding vote). Despite efforts by DC Vote, Norton and newly inaugurated Mayor, Vincent Gray, a party line vote of 225-188 sealed the deal. Just days into a change of power both in the House and in D.C. Government, the relationship was beginning to sour.
- Restriction of Abortion Funding for Low-Income Families: Now, whether you agree with abortions or not is not important in this case. Because, when the Republican majority in the House of Representatives takes measures to restrict what the District Government can do with its OWN money, that is the issue. Just like citizens took action to get Norton's Committee of the Whole vote re-instated (unsuccessfully), citizens took to the streets to stop this blatant attempt at legislating the lives of District residents. Not just any street, however: Speaker of the House John Boehner's Street. More specifically, his FRONT DOOR! Though the display was a step up from other demonstrations and got major media attention, Congress still is seizing control of DC-earned money. Crazy.
- School Choice: No, Speaker Boehner and the Republicans are not trying to take away school choice, but give DC students more of a choice. Can you believe that!? He is trying to re-instate the DC Opportunity Scholarship, a program that gave DC low-income students vouchers to go to private schools. The Democratic Congress cut it out a few years ago. Though I support the Opportunity Scholarship and the success it has provided for DC students and though Parents support its return, who the heck is John Boehner to go over D.C. Government's head and take this into his own hands. Congress even told the District Government that funding for public schools will be cut if there are not provisions to return the scholarship program.
