Introduction of the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act. This bill would remove the authority of the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) over non-federal real property in the District of Columbia.

Under presidential executive orders (EOs) and federal law, the CFA has review authority for D.C.-owned parks and buildings, as well as for certain private land in D.C. Under EOs, the CFA has review authority for the design of D.C.-owned parks and buildings. Under the Shipstead- Luce Act, the CFA has review authority for the design of private buildings in D.C. ``adjacent to public buildings and grounds of major importance,'' such as Rock Creek Park and the Potomac riverfront. Under the Old Georgetown Act, the CFA has review authority for the design of private buildings in the part of Georgetown referred to as ``Old Georgetown'' in the act.

The federal government, including the CFA, whose members are appointed by the President, should not have any authority over D.C. land-use policies and decisions unrelated to the federal presence. Not only is the federal government's authority over D.C. buildings and private property a violation of home rule, it also delays and increases the cost of public and private development in D.C.

This bill is an important step to increase home rule for D.C. I urge my colleagues to support it.

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