| | | | |  | | By Anthony Adragna | | Presented by |  | | | With assists from POLITICO’s Congress team
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The House is expected to vote Thursday on legislation repealing a local D.C. law enabling noncitizens to vote in local elections. | Francis Chung/POLITICO | HEAVY MEDDLE There are many hallmarks of Washington life: Complaining about tourists standing on the left side of the escalator. Sidewalk-dancing to go-go music pounding out of car stereos. And watching House Republicans impose on matters of city government. Congress retains ultimate power over the District under the Constitution and 1973's Home Rule Act, and local decisions on drugs, abortion, guns and other hot-button issues have long been fodder for GOP incursions. But the current Republican majority has upped the tempo in exercising those powers and is reaching into ever more obscure corners of governance. Case in point: The House is expected to vote Thursday on legislation repealing a local D.C. law enabling noncitizens to vote in local elections. “It's definitely getting more granular as part of the overall trend toward cultural wars,” Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), a native Washingtonian, told Inside Congress. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District’s nonvoting Democratic delegate, told POLITICO that “it doesn’t seem to matter to them what the policy is, just so long as it’s a D.C. bill.” A few of the recent targets:
- Criminal justice: House bills have targeted D.C.’s ability to change its sentencing laws and a recent revamp of the city’s criminal code; the latter effort succeeded with the backing of President Joe Biden.
- Police accountability: An effort to roll back a D.C. law toughening use-of-force standards and disciplinary procedures for Metropolitan Police officers passed both chambers of Congress before Biden vetoed it.
- Marijuana legalization: Led by Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), the GOP has blocked D.C.’s ability to establish a legalized market for cannabis through an appropriations rider that was preserved in Biden’s most recent budget.
- Airport slots: Over objections from Norton, Beyer and the rest of the local delegation, out-of-town lawmakers expanded the number of flights allowed at Reagan National — the closest airport to the Capitol — as part of the recent FAA reauthorization.
- Football logos: Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) says he will block plans to transfer the RFK Stadium site back to the District for redevelopment unless the Washington Commanders honor the family of the former team logo’s creator.
And that’s just a taste, Norton says. Her office estimates House and Senate Republicans have already offered at least 50 bills with provisions they deem “anti-D.C.” by repealing or changing locally enacted laws.
Republicans counter that their efforts are a valid use of congressional power, representing a form of oversight for a city of nearly 700,000 people — bigger than the states of Wyoming and Vermont — that enjoys a unique position as a non-state. “The city council, in our view, it's just not getting the job done for safety, security and, frankly, just sound governance,” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) told Inside Congress. “If they did their jobs, we would let them do their jobs.” A spokesperson for D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser referred POLITICO to a letter from city leaders opposing the sentencing legislation that passed the House last week. “Due to the District's unique status, Congress already has a role to play, particularly in fully funding the federal agencies that are an integral part of our criminal justice system," they wrote. Bowser’s office declined to comment on the bill before the House this week. But Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) acknowledged Republicans aren’t going to stop singling out D.C. for scrutiny. “It's our responsibility according to the Constitution,” he said. — Anthony Adragna, with Caitlin Emma contributing
| | | | A message from American Beverage: America’s leading beverage companies – The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig Dr Pepper and PepsiCo – are bringing you more choices with less sugar. From sparkling, flavored and bottled waters to zero-sugar sodas, sports drinks, juices and teas, Americans have more options than ever. In fact, nearly 60% of beverages sold today have zero sugar. Families are looking for more choices to support their efforts to find balance and America’s beverage companies are delivering. Explore choices at BalanceUS.org. | | | GOOD EVENING! Welcome to Inside Congress, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Wednesday, May 22, where we are mourning the loss of D.C. icon Stumpy. RIP. GOP’S 2025 DREAMS House Republicans are starting to quietly prepare for a potential GOP trifecta in 2025. Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) told the Republican Study Committee on Wednesday that he’s asked committee chairs to start compiling their “wish list” for what they want to pass under reconciliation next year if Republicans control the House, Senate and White House, RSC Chair Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) confirmed in a brief interview. Any of those plans for reconciliation — a fast-track process that lets them avoid a filibuster in the Senate — would have to survive the strict guidelines in the Senate for what can be included. To help with that, House Republicans are planning to pre-screen their plans with the Senate parliamentarian, whose past rulings have forced both parties to rework or drop major policy goals. It’s not the first sign that Republicans are laying the groundwork for a 2025 sweep. They also held a session at a House GOP retreat earlier this year on the ins and outs of reconciliation. At the top of the reconciliation wishlist is a tax overhaul. But Republicans also want to get border measures into any fast-track package — likely a tall hurdle given that the Senate parliamentarian ruled against Democrats when they tried to get immigration provisions into their own package last Congress. Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), who chairs the Homeland Security Committee, said “we absolutely want to be ready” if there is a GOP trifecta and that it is his “understanding that there are aspects” of border policy that could potentially qualify. — Jordain Carney
| | | | A message from American Beverage:   | | | A NEW AOC A bicameral, bipartisan commission selected Thomas Austin to serve as the next architect of the Capitol, it announced Wednesday. Austin, a former Army colonel who previously worked at Arlington National Cemetery and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, will start June 24. Scandal has plagued the otherwise snoozy agency that is tasked with managing the Capitol grounds. Brett Blanton was forced out of the role more than a year ago after infuriating lawmakers with testimony about avoiding Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2021, and a damning inspector general's report that alleged misuse of his authority. Most recently, a former employee who oversaw operation and maintenance of the Capitol complex filed a claim against the agency accusing leaders of improperly firing her after she reported sexism and discrimination. Until last year, the AOC’s selection was a presidential prerogative. But Austin’s appointment marks the first time Congress took action under a law passed in December that removed the White House from the process and gave the choice instead to a panel of lawmakers. “We are confident that with his extensive experience, Thomas Austin will be an adept and capable Architect of the Capitol,” that panel said in a statement. — Daniella Diaz and Nicholas Wu
| | | | THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLICY REPORTING & INTELLIGENCE: POLITICO has more than 500 journalists delivering unrivaled reporting and illuminating the policy and regulatory landscape for those who need to know what’s next. Throughout the election and the legislative and regulatory pushes that will follow, POLITICO Pro is indispensable to those who need to make informed decisions fast. The Pro platform dives deeper into critical and quickly evolving sectors and industries—finance, defense, technology, healthcare, energy—equipping policymakers and those who shape legislation and regulation with essential news and intelligence from the world’s best politics and policy journalists.
Our newsroom is deeper, more experienced, and better sourced than any other—with teams embedded in the world’s most active legislative and regulatory power centers. From Brussels to Washington, New York to London, Sacramento to Paris, we bring subscribers inside the conversations that determine policy outcomes and the future of industries, providing insight that cannot be found anywhere else. Get the premier news and policy intelligence service, SUBSCRIBE TO POLITICO PRO TODAY. | | | | | RUTO NO, BIBI YES? Speaker Mike Johnson’s potential joint address invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rekindled raw feelings about the snub of another foreign leader. The top two lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee reiterated their frustration Wednesday over Johnson’s decision not to invite Kenyan President William Ruto for a joint address this week. Ruto arrived in Washington on Wednesday for three days of official meetings at the White House and elsewhere. “I do think Africa is gonna be the most populated continent in the next decade and anytime a president or leader from Africa comes, we should try to accommodate that,” Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said in a brief interview. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) called it “a missed opportunity and a slap in the face at another African head of state.” Johnson said the reason he didn’t invite Ruto was because of scheduling constraints. Ruto still made his way to Capitol Hill Wednesday for private meetings with congressional leaders. — Daniella Diaz
| | | | LISTEN TO POLITICO'S ENERGY PODCAST: Check out our daily five-minute brief on the latest energy and environmental politics and policy news. Don't miss out on the must-know stories, candid insights, and analysis from POLITICO's energy team. Listen today. | | | | | | | | | Chuck Schumer and Dick Durbin recalled a really bad cricket infestation at the infamous “Animal House” they once shared as roommates. The lawmakers tried to kill the bugs with paint cans on the front steps of their house, according to the Senate majority leader. “They won,” he said. Rob Menendez says his primary opponent "wants to run against my father because he's scared to run against me." The Connecticut House delegation, led by Rosa DeLauro, rallied on the House steps for New Haven-style pizza. GRWM: Salud Carbajal edition. Krysten Sinema’s shoes caught the attention of Schumer. John Thune got some face time with Tom Brady.
| | | | A message from American Beverage: Families are looking for more choices and information to support their efforts to find balance in their diet. That’s why America’s beverage companies are now offering more than 600 brands with less sugar or no sugar at all, and our actions are making a real difference.
Our commitment to supporting your efforts to find balance includes:
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· Working with local organizations across the country to build awareness of the many choices available – and making zero-sugar beverages more available in communities where it’s needed most.
Learn more at BalanceUS.org | | | QUICK LINKS GOP-aligned PAC reserves $29M in ads across New York, from Kevin Frey at NY1 'A Major Milestone': Senate Confirms Joe Biden’s 200th Lifetime Federal Judge, from Jennifer Bendery at HuffPost A whale washed up dead. Greens blame a Democrat, from Garrett Downs at E&E News How Trump-backed Republican who campaigns on a stolen election mocked 'crazies' challenging the midterm losses while on vacation in Thailand... using laughing emojis, from Charlie Spiering in the Daily Mail Meet the Guy Who’s Been Handling VIPs at the Monocle for 50 Years, from Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman TRANSITIONS Yvanna Cancela is now chief of staff to Rep. Steve Horsford (D-Nev.). She was most recently special assistant to the president and senior adviser to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for state and local government officials. Elizabeth-Burton Jones is now comms director for Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.). She previously was comms director for Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa). Ellen Walter is joining the NRSC as director of women’s engagement. She is the founder of the Walter Group and previously was a senior adviser to Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Nikki Cannon is joining CLYDE as VP of public affairs. She previously was senior director at LSG and is a Jerry McNerney alum. TOMORROW IN CONGRESS The House and Senate are in session. THURSDAY AROUND THE HILL 11 a.m. Rep. Nikema Williams and others reintroduce legislation to advance endometriosis research and treatment (House Triangle) 11 a.m. Democrats and climate advocates discuss hold press conference on accountability for high gas prices (we hear Majority Leader Chuck Schumer might drop by) (Senate Swamp) 1 p.m. Bipartisan lawmakers introduce new airplane safety legislation to protect cabin crew and passengers (House Triangle) 2:30 p.m. The House select panel on China hosts “The Future of Hong Kong: U.S. Policy Going Forward” (HC-5)
| | TUESDAY’S ANSWER: Kevin Diestelow was the first to correctly answer that Millard Fillmore was the former president who received eight electoral votes as a part of the Know-Nothing ticket in the 1856 election won by James Buchanan. TODAY’S QUESTION, from Kevin: In honor of tomorrow’s farm bill markup, which secretary of Agriculture is the longest serving Cabinet secretary in history, serving for 16 years across three administrations? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Inside Congress. Send your answers to insidecongress@politico.com. GET INSIDE CONGRESS emailed to your phone each evening. | | | | Follow us | | | | |
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