Introduction of the District of Columbia Clemency Home Rule Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the District of Columbia Clemency Home Rule Act, which would give the District of Columbia exclusive authority to grant clemency for D.C. crimes. Currently, the president exercises the authority to grant clemency for D.C. crimes, though presidents rarely do so. D.C. residents deserve a say in whether their fellow residents deserve mercy. In the 117th Congress, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform passed this bill as part of the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 (H.R. 8861).

While D.C. law appears to give the mayor authority to grant clemency for certain D.C. crimes (D.C. Code 1-301.76), under current practice, clemency petitions for D.C. crimes, like federal crimes, are submitted to the Department of Justice for the president's consideration.

The states and territories have full control over their criminal justice systems, including clemency. D.C. also should have full control over its criminal justice system. Since the D.C. Council has authority to enact local D.C. laws, D.C. officials are in the best position to grant clemency for D.C. crimes. This bill would give D.C. authority to use any type of clemency system.

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

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source