url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-writes-usps-postmaster-general-over-wholesale-reports-of,"Norton Writes USPS Postmaster General Over Wholesale Reports of Unreliable Mail Delivery, Poor Customer Service Across the District",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released Norton's letter to United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Megan Brennan regarding widespread complaints of inconsistent and failed mail delivery and a lack of USPS responsiveness in the District of Columbia. Norton said she is considering holding a forum with the Postmaster General and D.C. residents to help the community understand the best way to get responses quickly and resolve delivery issues. In her letter, Norton wrote, We have learned from constituents and from several members of the D.C. Council that there is unreliable service in the Eckington, Anacostia, Cleveland Park and Michigan Park communities. I understand customers often do not even receive their mail at all on certain days. The most common complaints include late evening deliveries, failed delivery and damaged mail. Especially troubling is the repeated lack of responsiveness by station managers to customers. I understand that phones are frequently not answered when my constituents call to make complaints, and, when they go to the post offices themselves, they are not allowed to speak to managers or are told they are unavailable and managers do not return messages. Norton's full letter is below. Megan J. Brennan Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer United States Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20260-3500 Dear Postmaster General Brennan: I am writing because a number of my constituents throughout the District of Columbia have been experiencing difficulties receiving their mail consistently and properly. We realize that from time to time there will be mishaps in delivery of mail. However, there appear to be recurrent problems in all four quadrants of our city. For example, we have learned from constituents and from several members of the D.C. Council that there is unreliable service in the Eckington, Anacostia, Cleveland Park and Michigan Park communities. I understand customers often do not even receive their mail at all on certain days. The most common complaints include late evening deliveries, failed delivery and damaged mail. Especially troubling is the repeated lack of responsiveness by station managers to customers. I understand that phones are frequently not answered when my constituents call to make complaints, and, when they go to the post offices themselves, they are not allowed to speak to managers or are told they are unavailable and managers do not return messages. We are considering holding a forum with you and our constituents to help the community understand the best way to quickly get responses and change. I ask that you respond to this letter within 30 days, outlining how the United States Postal Service plans to address these concerns. I look forward to working with you on these important issues. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-gets-dc-code-felons-new-benefits-in-first-step-act-headed-to,"Norton Gets D.C. Code Felons New Benefits in First Step Act, Headed to Presidents Desk",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that the First Step Act, which overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives today and now heads to the President, will apply to District of Columbia Code felons, who are the only local offenders housed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Norton got language changed to clarify that the bill applies to all inmates under BOP's jurisdiction, not just those convicted under federal law. Critically, D.C. Code offenders will be covered by a new provision requiring BOP to place prisoners in a facility as close as practicable to the prisoner's residence, and to the extent practicable, in a facility within 500 driving miles of that residence. Under current law, BOP has the sole responsibility for selecting a prison for a prisoner, though it was BOP's policy to try to place prisoners within 500 miles of their residence. The new requirement is subject to bed availability, the prisoner's security designation, the prisoner's programmatic needs, the prisoner's mental and medical health needs, any request made by the prisoner related to faith-based needs, recommendations of the sentencing court and other security concerns of the BOP. In addition, BOP must, subject to the above considerations and the prisoner's preference for staying at his or her current facility or being transferred, transfer prisoners to facilities that are closer to the prisoner's primary residence even if the prisoner is already in a facility within 500 driving miles of that residence. Under the bill, all BOP prisoners, including D.C. Code offenders, can earn good time credits and secure earlier release by participating in recidivism reduction programs. The bill also provides additional phone privileges, video conferencing privileges, additional time for visitation and identification documents for returning citizens. The First Step Act enacts the first meaningful reforms to our federal prison system in a generation, and we ensured that our D.C. Code felons, who are housed at BOP facilities, will benefit, Norton said. I have worked for years to ensure our inmates are housed as close to the District as possible to encourage visits from family, which have been proven important to successful reentry to society. Getting this requirement codified in federal law will help our efforts. In addition, D.C. Code felons will be eligible for the many programs and services made available in this legislation to reduce recidivism and provide returning citizens with critical skills and training, as well as treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. This is truly a first step,' and I look forward to working on further prison and sentencing reform legislation in the next Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-says-her-budget-provision-will-ensure-dc-stays-open-if-federal,Norton Says Her Budget Provision Will Ensure D.C. Stays Open if Federal Government Shuts Down,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Introduces Bill to Grant Back Pay to Furloughed Federally Contracted Low-Wage Workers WASHINGTON, D.C.As the possibility of a federal government shutdown looms large, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today assured District of Columbia residents that a provision she got included in the fiscal year 2018 omnibus appropriations bill will keep the D.C. government open if the federal government partially shuts down this Saturday, when the current short-term continuing resolution expires. The Norton provision allows D.C. to spend under its local fiscal year 2019 budget during a federal government shutdown in fiscal year 2019 (subject to the terms and conditions of the fiscal year 2018 omnibus). D.C. has been spending under its local fiscal year 2019 budget during the course of the two short-term continuing resolutions since October 1, and would continue to do so during a federal government shutdown. Norton has gotten the D.C. shutdown exemption included in each spending bill since the federal government shutdown of 2013. Before she got the shutdown exemption for D.C. included in D.C. appropriations bills, the District had to prepare shutdown contingency plans every time there was the threat of a federal government shutdown, even if it did not occur. Consistent threats of shutdowns harmed the credit rating of the District government. In upgrading their ratings on the District's outstanding general obligation bonds, Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Fitch Ratings both have favorably cited Norton's shutdown exemption provision. Norton today also introduced a bill that would guarantee back pay to federally-contracted retail, food, custodial and security service workers furloughed during a shutdown in the current fiscal year (fiscal year 2019). Norton introduced a similar bill last January to guarantee back pay to federally-contracted low-wage workers in fiscal year 2018 when a shutdown was threatened. Norton is also an original cosponsor of a bill to provide back pay to federal employees who are furloughed during a shutdown. Although Trump and the Republicans are moving quickly toward partially shutting down the federal government for Trump's border wall, the District's government will remain open and able to spend at next year's budget levels, Norton said. Congress could learn a thing about fiscal responsibility by taking a look at D.C., which has a balanced budget and a surplus. As we prepare for the Trump shutdown, low-wage federal contract workers are at particular risk of being denied pay, through no fault of their own. Low-wage contract workers deserve the same back pay given to federal employees after a shutdown, as both federal employees and contract workers often work alongside one another. Both groups of workers deserve to be made whole after any shutdown. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-requests-us-and-unhcr-investigate-conditions-facing-ugandan-lgbt,Norton Requests U.S. and UNHCR Investigate Conditions Facing Ugandan LGBT Refugees in Kenya,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released her letter to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi requesting an investigation into the conditions faced by Ugandan LGBT refugees at the UNHCR Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. After the Ugandan parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2014, many Ugandans fled to Kenya because of persecution related to their sexual orientation. Norton informed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of her letter and requested that he work with UNHCR on the investigation. In her letter, Norton wrote, The situation Ugandan LGBT refugees face in Kenya is appalling and needs to be investigated and improved immediately. I understand that Ugandan refugees regularly face assault, theft and worse, including by police, because of their status I have been informed that the conditions in [UNHCR's Kakuma Refugee Camp] are also inexcusably appalling, with many LGBT refugees again facing antagonism stemming from intolerance there. I request that you respond in writing within 30 days of the date of this letter addressing these ongoing issues and how UNHCR will work to improve the conditions of LGBT refugees in Kenya. Norton's full letter is below. The Honorable Filippo Grandi United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Case Postale 2500 CH-1211 Genve 2 Dpt Suisse Dear Commissioner Grandi: I write to request that you investigate the condition of Ugandan LGBT refugees in Kenya. As you know, following Uganda's passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2014, hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of Ugandans fled to Kenya because of persecution related to their sexual orientation. Making same-sex sexual activity punishable by up to life in prison, the Anti-Homosexuality bill was later nullified. As has been frequently reported, however, that law led to increased homophobia in Uganda, which has led to further emigration. The situation Ugandan LGBT refugees face in Kenya is appalling and needs to be investigated and improved immediately. I understand that Ugandan refugees regularly face assault, theft and worse, including by police, because of their status. Unable to speak the native Swahili, they cannot find jobs and live in terrible conditions, often including being forced into sex work. They lack basic food, shelter and medical care. Many of these refugees are pressured to go into the United Nations High Commission on Refugees' (UNHCR) Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwestern Kenya, one of the largest refugee camps in the world. I have been informed that the conditions in this camp are also inexcusably appalling, with many LGBT refugees again facing antagonism stemming from intolerance there. I request that you respond in writing within 30 days of the date of this letter addressing these ongoing issues and how UNHCR will work to improve the conditions of LGBT refugees in Kenya. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton Cc: Mike Pompeo, Secretary, U.S. Department of State ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-introduces-94th-and-95th-bills-of-115th-congress-most-by-any,"Norton Introduces 94th and 95th Bills of 115th Congress, Most by Any Member",2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) yesterday introduced two bills to bring her total to 95 bills, the most by any House Member in the 115th Congress. Norton introduced her bill to require all federal agencies to include in their annual budget requests to Congress the amount they spend on advertising contracts with small disadvantaged businesses and businesses owned by minorities and women. Norton also introduced her bill to require the Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia and the Director of the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia to reside in the District during the Directors' tenures. I am proud to have introduced a personal record number of bills this Congress to address issues far and wide, ranging from D.C. statehood and expanding D.C. home rule, to promoting equal pay, reducing workplace discrimination, protecting the environment, investing in transportation and many other priorities that matter most to D.C. residents, Norton said. Going into next year with the House majority, I am looking forward to working with our Democratic Committee chairs to move many of my bills forward. A full list of Norton's introduced bills this Congress can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-files-amendment-to-republican-tax-bill-to-make-dc-eligible-for,Norton Files Amendment to Republican Tax Bill to Make D.C. Eligible for Another Program to Expand Investment in Low-Income D.C. Neighborhoods,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today filed an amendment to a large tax package that would provide federal tax incentives for investment in low-income District of Columbia neighborhoods. Norton's amendment would make the District of Columbia eligible for the Empowerment Zone program. Her amendment would allow certain low-income neighborhoods in D.C., including parts of Wards 5, 7 and 8, to be designated Empowerment Zones, which would give federal tax incentives, not now available, to businesses that locate and create jobs there. Norton got similar federal tax incentives for investment in D.C. included in a 1997 tax bill, which helped to revitalize the District's economy and many D.C. neighborhoods. These incentives expired in 2011. The Empowerment Zone program includes a 20-percent wage credit for each employee who lives and works in the Empowerment Zone, up to a maximum of $3,000 per employee; expanded tax exempt bond financing; increased expensing; and special treatment of certain capital gains. Norton introduced her amendment as a standalone bill last year. Although Norton opposes the Republican tax package, she is fighting to ensure that D.C. would benefit from changes to the tax code. Last year, Norton got the District included in a new tax incentive program, the Opportunity Zone program, which was created by last year's Republican tax bill and provides tax incentives for investment in certain low-income communities. The Empowerment Zone and Opportunity Zone programs provide different types of tax incentives. Norton filed her new amendment with the House Rules Committee, which will consider amendments to the bill (H.R. 88) on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. The bill is expected to be on the House floor this week. While I oppose the Republican tax package up for consideration, I will always fight to secure economic benefits for the District, as when we succeeded in ensuring D.C. was covered by a provision in last year's Republican tax law that aimed to help low-income communities, Norton said. Providing incentives for investment in low-income areas, such as parts of Wards 5, 7 and 8, is crucial to creating jobs and economic development in D.C. neighborhoods that need them most. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-beyer-introduce-bill-to-require-uniformed-federal-police-officers,"Norton, Beyer Introduce Bill to Require Uniformed Federal Police Officers to Wear Body Cameras, Use Dashboard Cameras",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced a bill to require uniformed federal police officers to wear body cameras and have dashboard cameras in marked vehicles. Norton and Beyer introduced their bill just before the one-year anniversary of the November 17, 2017, shooting of unarmed 25-year-old Bijan Ghaisar by U.S. Park Police officers. Ghaisar was fatally shot in his car by Park Police in Fairfax County, Virginia, after he fled a car crash and was pursued by officers down George Washington Parkway. Footage of the shooting was released by the Fairfax County Police Department, which captured it on a cruiser's dashboard camera. Without that footage, Ghaisar's family and the public would have had no access to the circumstances surrounding Ghaisar's death. The District of Columbia and Fairfax County both require officers to wear body cameras and have dashboard cameras in marked vehicles. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the shooting for almost a full year, yet has released no information publicly. Federal police are late in requiring body cameras and dashboard cameras, which help ensure transparency, protect the public and officers alike and hold bad actors accountable, said Norton. The federal government should follow the lead of state and local law enforcement departments across the nation, including D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department, that have implemented these best policing practices. The Ghaisars have experienced a tragedy with no access to information, and would still be left completely in the dark if it were not for the Fairfax County Police Department. We owe it to the Ghaisars to do everything we can to ensure other families are not similarly left in the dark. This legislation would make long-overdue changes to bring federal police in line with other law enforcement agencies in the area of transparency, said Beyer. The still-unexplained killing of Bijan Ghaisar shows how important it is to make these reforms, which will benefit victims, officers, and the communities they serve. No family should have to endure what the Ghaisars have gone through over the past year, and this bill would help prevent that from happening again. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-introduce-bill-to-create-dc-residency-requirement-for-csosa,Norton to Introduce Bill to Create D.C. Residency Requirement for CSOSA and PSA Directors,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced she will introduce a bill to require the Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA), an independent federal agency created by Congress in the Revitalization Act that supervises only D.C. offenders on parole, probation and supervised release, to reside in the District during the Director's tenure. Norton announced her bill as the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs today considered the nomination of Richard S. Tischner, Jr. to serve as CSOSA Director. Norton's bill also would require the Director of the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia (PSA), which is an independent agency within CSOSA that supervises federal and D.C. defendants, to reside in D.C. during the District's tenure. Norton's bill would be prospective and not apply to those not already in office upon enactment. Norton has previously introduced a bill to require certain federal officials serving in D.C., including federal district court judges, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal, to live in the District. In nearly every jurisdiction in the United States, including the territories, federal district court judges, U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals are required by federal law to reside within the jurisdictions where they have been appointedbut no such residency requirement exists for such officials serving in the District. Congress has justifiably understood that federal officials must live in the jurisdiction they serve to ensure in-depth knowledge of the unique issues and challenges residents and these federal officials face, Norton said. This patronizing leftover from when the District was governed by the federal government has real effects on residents. There is no reason that the Directors of CSOSA and PSA, federal agencies that uniquely serve D.C. residents, should not be required to live in the District, engage with local communities and work closely with local officials. Adding residency requirements for federal officials serving the District is a matter of fairness that would make D.C. more equal with the states and even the territories. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-welcomes-new-members-of-congress-to-dc-encourages-them-to-0,"Norton Welcomes New Members of Congress to D.C., Encourages Them to Support D.C. Statehood and Respect Home Rule",2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released Norton's biennial letter to new Members of the House and Senate encouraging them to live in the District of Columbia, asking them to respect D.C. home rule while legislating and inviting them to cosponsor her D.C. statehood bill. Norton also offered to help connect the new Members with public and private services and invited them to attend Ask Me About D.C., which Norton sponsors annually with Destination D.C. to acquaint members with the District's entertainment, sports attractions, tourist sites and other amenities. In her letter, Norton wrote, You will need to know a little something about the District as a hometown jurisdiction because, regretfully, some of your time may be spent voting on purely local and justifiably unfamiliar D.C. matters, unrelated to federal affairs. I hope you will cosponsor our D.C. statehood bill to help Congress take D.C. off its agenda entirelyWe hope you agree that, despite Congress' constitutional authority over the District, there is no justification in the 21st century for Congress to legislate on purely local matters anywhere. Restrictions on basic democracy are discredited holdovers from our history, but democratic local self-government is respected by every American and every jurisdiction today. Norton's full letter is below. A Guide on the District of Columbia for New Members of Congress Dear Member-elect, Congratulations on your election to the 116th Congress! Your election to the House or Senate means that you will now spend more time in the District of Columbia than in your home district. As the only Member of Congress who represents the host city of the Congress and the federal government, I write to offer a special welcome and my assistance. We want you to have important information about the District you will need and about this city's unique relationship to the federal government because legislation affecting the District may come before Congress. District Neighborhoods and Housing The District is a growing, lovely, livable and hospitable city of more than 700,000 Americans with world-class dining, entertainment and sports, many forms of public transportation and breathtaking national and local monuments and sites that your constituents will ask you about and want to enjoy. We invite you to consider living in D.C., like many Members who have decided to live here rather than fight the formidable traffic to the suburbs. D.C. has it all private homes, condos and apartments located in sophisticated urban communities, suburban-like neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, a vibrant downtown and nearby communities, such as Capitol Hill (where I live). If you are considering living in the District, feel free to contact me personally or our office if you could use some advice or guidance. I am a third-generation Washingtonian, but more importantly, I can put you in touch with the experts and assistance that you may need on housing. Help with Public and Private Services in D.C. Whether or not you live in the District, you may encounter an occasional issue or have questions about the city's public and private sectors, including for yourself, your family or your constituents. Many of your constituents will come to Washington to visit and consult with you. The District is one of the world's foremost tourist destinations. You will shortly receive an invitation to Ask Me About DC, a live exhibition featuring representatives from the District's many sports, entertainment and other amenities, who will answer the questions of Members and staff about everything in the city. A light lunch will be offered. However, if you have a question related to District services, please be in touch with me or my office. For example, transportation, trash, recycling, water, pothole and similar issues inevitably arise in every jurisdiction. My office has had Members inquire concerning every kind of service, even a Member who needed a marriage license (we loved that). Rather than trying to figure out where to turn to in the District or District government, please call me or my office first. If you have a service need or problem, call me personally at 202-225-8050 or have your staff call my Chief of Staff, Raven Reeder, at 202-225-8050. We will either pursue the matter on your behalf or put you in direct contact with a specific individual in the appropriate District agency who will be helpful until the matter is resolved. If for any reason a problem is not completely resolved, we will continue to help until it is. Parking Tickets By federal statute, Members of Congress may park their vehicles at any available curb space in the District when the vehicle is used by the Member on official business and the vehicle is displaying the Member's congressional tag. The vehicle is exempt from tickets by statute if it is not parked in violation of a loading zone, rush hour, firehouse or fire hydrant limitation. The Only Local Jurisdiction on the Congressional Agenda You will need to know a little something about the District as a hometown jurisdiction because, regretfully, some of your time may be spent voting on purely local and justifiably unfamiliar D.C. matters, unrelated to federal affairs. I hope you will cosponsor our D.C. statehood bill to help Congress take D.C. off its agenda entirely. Under the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973, Congress created a locally elected chief executive (Mayor Muriel Bowser) and legislature (Council), and gave the District government state-like powers, with limited exceptions. We hope you agree that, despite Congress' constitutional authority over the District, there is no justification in the 21st century for Congress to legislate on purely local matters anywhere. Restrictions on basic democracy are discredited holdovers from our history, but democratic local self-government is respected by every American and every jurisdiction today. Polls show that Americans of every background believe D.C. residents should have equal representation and treatment in Congress. As you can imagine, although occasionally District matters may come to the floor or committee, D.C. residents, like your own constituents, feel strongly that local decisions must be respected, and residents object strongly to interference from Congress, which is unaccountable to residents, in local D.C. laws and spending. Like every large city, the District has more poverty and crime than suburban communities, but it is a prosperous city dominated by a diverse, majority middle class. Analysts, congressional leaders and residents alike agree that the District has had great success in attracting residents and businesses. The District government has been well managed for years and has one of the largest budget surpluses of any U.S. jurisdiction. You will find the residents of the District to be dedicated and accomplished Americans. Taxation Without Representation D.C. residents pay the highest federal taxes per capita in the United States. They are the only U.S. citizens who pay full federal taxes but do not have full representation in the House and none in the Senate. I have virtually all the rights and privileges of a Member of the House, including a vote in committee, where I will have a chairmanship next Congress. I also expect to have a vote on the House floor in the Committee of the Whole but not on final passage of legislation until the pending statehood bill is passed. The House and Senate passed the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act in 2007 and 2009, respectively, which would have permitted the Americans who live in the nation's capital to have voting representation in the House and added an additional seat in the House for Utah. That bill passed with bipartisan support, but fell victim to an unrelated amendment. Senator Thomas Carper and I have since introduced bills in the Senate and House to make D.C. a state, which I hope you will cosponsor. Both bills had record numbers of cosponsors in the 115th Congress. The District is one of the world's most beautiful and pleasant cities. Cabinet members, agency heads and officials, many Members of Congress, and major news media figures live in our neighborhoods with local citizens, and if you have not decided on a permanent congressional residence, we would welcome you to live in the nation's capital. However, whether living in the District or only doing your most important work here, you will find D.C. officials, residents and businesses ready to help you enjoy the city, and my office and I are at your disposal. I look forward to meeting you and working with you in the 116th Congress. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-speak-at-two-events-commemorating-veterans-day-this-weekend,"Norton to Speak at Two Events Commemorating Veterans Day, This Weekend",2018-11-10,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Introduces Resolution Honoring D.C. Veterans, Who Served Despite Being Denied a Vote and Full Home Rule WASHINGTON, D.C.This weekend, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will speak at two Veterans Day events to honor District of Columbia veterans. Norton also introduced a resolution recognizing D.C.'s 30,000 veterans and their families, condemning the denial of voting rights in Congress and full home rule for D.C. veterans and their families, and calling for statehood for the District to make D.C. veterans and other residents whole. On Sunday, November 11, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at the D.C. War Memorial, Norton will speak at a ceremony, hosted by the D.C. National Guard and the Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of D.C., to honor the 499 service members from D.C. who gave their lives during World War I and celebrate the centennial of Armistice Day. A national minute of silence and the tolling of the Bells of Peace at 11:00 a.m. will mark the centennial of the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month in 1918, when the armistice took effect. Norton successfully fought congressional attempts to redesignate the D.C. War Memorial as the national World War I memorial, while also working to create a national World War I memorial at Pershing Park. On Monday, November 12, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at 1309 Wallach Pl. NW, Norton will speak at a ceremony to honor 89-year-old Korean War Veteran Thomas Pressley, who is returning to his home after the Purple Heart Homes partnered with the Home Depot Foundation and the National League of Cities to rehabilitate his house, which had been condemned. Pressley's cause was aided by Metropolitan Police Department Officer Juanita Eccles, who assisted Pressley when he arrived at D.C.'s Third District station seeking help. Officer Eccles worked to connect Pressley with Home Depot and Purple Heart Homes, which did the needed repairs to rehabilitate his home. Norton's full Veterans Day resolution is below. RESOLUTION Recognizing the denial of full voting rights in Congress for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents. Whereas, on November 11, our Nation observes Veterans Day, a Federal holiday commemorating the men and women who served and sacrificed for their country; Whereas the service and sacrifice of all American veterans must be recognized; Whereas the service of approximately 30,000 residents of the District of Columbia in the Armed Forces is unparalleled because they served without full voting rights in Congress; Whereas residents of the District of Columbia fought to create the United States under the Revolutionary War slogan no taxation without representation, and have served in every war engaged by the United States since; Whereas 635 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War I, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 3 different States during the War; Whereas 3,575 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War II, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 4 different States during the War; Whereas 547 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Korean War, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 8 different States during the War; Whereas 243 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Vietnam War, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 10 different States during the War; Whereas almost 200,000 District of Columbia residents have served in the military since World War I; Whereas residents of the District of Columbia, including active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans, continue to be denied full voting rights in the House of Representatives and the Senate; and Whereas H.R. 1291, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, would grant full and equal voting rights as well as democratic control over local affairs to the District of Columbia by making it the 51st State: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the service of all District of Columbia veterans, past and present, condemns the denial of voting rights in Congress and full home rule for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents, and calls for statehood for the District of Columbia. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-announces-doj-inspector-general-has-begun-assessment-of,Norton Announces DOJ Inspector General Has Begun Assessment of Conditions at Hazelton Prison,2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said that U.S. Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, in response to her request, has begun an assessment of conditions at the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) Hazelton facility in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. In his response to Norton, Horowitz said, We are carefully reviewing the information in your letter, and have requested more information from the BOP about conditions affecting safety and security at the Hazelton facility. After we complete our initial assessment of this information, we will make a determination as to the appropriate course for further action. Horowitz also took note of Norton's concern that these incidents may be indicative of larger, ongoing problems at the facility,' caused in part by under-staffing and inadequate training. Norton requested the investigation into alleged appalling conditions at Hazelton after receiving reports from constituents and their families after two inmates from the District of Columbia died at Hazelton during violent altercations this year. Norton again pressed her request after James Whitey Bulger was reportedly killed less than a day after being transferred to Hazelton. Hazelton houses inmates who have committed federal crimes, but D.C. Code felons are the only local felons housed by BOP. Norton has called for the removal of all D.C. Code felons from the Hazelton facility. I am grateful that the Inspector General has begun so quickly after receiving our letter to examine brutal conditions being reported at Hazelton, Norton said. The families of inmates and federal employees who work at Hazelton have drawn attention to conditions at the BOP facility that have put inmates and staff alike in danger. A third-party review by the Inspector General is much-needed to analyze the conditions at Hazelton and recommend appropriate actions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-expresses-concern-about-transportation-options-for-returning,Norton Expresses Concern about Transportation Options for Returning Citizens at New D.C. Halfway House,2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released her letter to Correctional Management & Communications Group requesting information after its subsidiary CORE DC was awarded a five-year contract from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to operate a Residential Reentry Center (RRC), or halfway house, in the District of Columbia, replacing the existing contract with Hope Village. The contract will take effect March 1, 2019, and the RRC will be located in Ward 5 at 3400 New York Avenue NE. Norton expressed great concern about the transportation options available to returning citizens for work or official appointments. In her letter, Norton wrote, This location is not near a Metro rail station and appears to be a mile from the nearest bus stop. How will CORE DC provide transportation so that residents will be able to go to and return from their places of work, check in with community supervision officers and other court officials, and see their family and friends, all important elements of successful reentry? Norton's full letter is below. Carlyle I. Holder Chairman, President and CEO Correctional Management & Communications Group 604 US-27 Minneola, FL 34715 Dear Mr. Holder: I understand that your subsidiary CORE DC has been awarded a contract from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to operate a Residential Reentry Center (RRC) in the District of Columbia. I further understand that the facility will be located in Ward 5 at 3400 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002. Please respond to the following questions regarding this contract: This location is not near a Metro rail station and appears to be a mile from the nearest bus stop. How will CORE DC provide transportation so that residents will be able to go to and return from their places of work, check in with community supervision officers and other court officials, and see their family and friends, all important elements of successful reentry? Will this be the only RRC for returning D.C. citizens, except for The Fairview, an all-female facility? What renovations will be necessary to make the facility and property fully functional as an RRC? Will CORE DC be able to make these necessary renovations in time to begin performance of the contract on March 1, 2019, or will an extension of the existing contract that the BOP has with Hope Village be needed? I request that you respond in writing within 30 days of the date of this letter. After receiving your response to these questions, I would like to meet with you to discuss the CORE DC RRC. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-discuss-reports-of-vibration-issues-involving-csx-virginia,"Norton to Discuss Reports of Vibration Issues Involving CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel, Tuesday",2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will hold a community meeting to discuss reports of vibration issues resulting from CSX trains traveling through the Virginia Avenue Tunnel on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., at the Capitol Quarter Community Center (1000 5th St. SE). The meeting will feature ANC Commissioner Meredith Fascett (Chairperson, 6D) and representatives from CSX, the Federal Highway Administration and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation. Norton has worked closely with the neighbors and CSX, holding several community meetings since the Virginia Avenue Tunnel project began to ensure oversight and transparency. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-us-parole-commission-chair,Norton Statement on the Passing of Former U.S. Parole Commission Chair Patricia Smoot,2018-11-08,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today mourned the passing of her friend Patricia Smoot, a former commissioner and chair of the U.S. Parole Commission. Norton recommended that President Obama nominate Smoot to serve as commissioner and then chair of the Commission, which has jurisdiction over District of Columbia-code felons. I am heartbroken by the passing of my friend Patricia Smoot. Patricia worked throughout her career to ensure fairness for returning citizens and safety for the residents of the District of Columbia. I extend my deep condolences and sympathies to Patricia's family on behalf of myself and D.C. residents. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-be-honored-by-physicians-for-social-responsibility-for-her,"Norton to Be Honored by Physicians for Social Responsibility for Her Work on Nuclear Disarmament, Tonight",2018-11-08,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will receive a Visionary Leader Award from Physicians for Social Responsibility tonight, Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). Norton will be honored for her work to advance nuclear weapon disarmament and abolition. Each Congress, Norton introduces her Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Economic and Energy Conversion Act to require the United States to negotiate an international agreement to disable and dismantle its nuclear weapons and to redirect the funds to human and infrastructure needs, such as housing, health care, Social Security and the environment. The bill would take effect when the President certifies to Congress that all countries possessing nuclear weapons have either eliminated them or begun such elimination under established international requirements. Norton has introduced a version of the bill since 1994, after working with the District of Columbia residents who were responsible for the nuclear disarmament ballot initiative passed by D.C. voters in 1993. I thank Physicians for Social Responsibility for this wonderful honor, Norton said. Nuclear war is the greatest threat to the future of our planet, and recent escalation by the Trump administration reinforces the importance of our bill. The United States, the world's largest holder of nuclear weapons, has the ultimate responsibility to take far more leadership to protect future generations by reducing our nuclear stockpile and encouraging other countries to follow suit. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-speak-at-world-war-i-centennial-commission-event-honoring,"Norton to Speak at World War I Centennial Commission Event Honoring Legacy of African Americans and Latinos, Today",2018-11-08,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will speak at a special event, entitled The Heroic Legacy: African Americans and Latinos of WWI, hosted by the World War I Centennial Commission today, Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 4:00 p.m., at Pershing Park (1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW). The program will feature a special performance by the 369th Experience Band, comprised of 40 African American and Puerto Rican men representing 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country. The band recreates the 369th Regimental Band, which consisted of 65 African American and Puerto Rican men, who played across Europe during World War I and were part of the 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters. I thank the World War I Commission for hosting this special program to honor the heroic sacrifices and unique contributions of African Americans and Latinos, who fought and died for their country abroad despite facing bigotry and prejudice at home, Norton said. I particularly welcome the talented members of the 369th Experience Band to the nation's capital as they play the same songs played by the original 369th Band, which brought Black culture and jazz to Europe and broke down racial divisions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-push-for-votes-on-dc-statehood-and-bills-to-expand-dc-home,Norton to Push for Votes on D.C. Statehood and Bills to Expand D.C. Home Rule in Democratic House,2018-11-07,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said that, with Democratic control of the House of Representatives for the first time in eight years, she will engage in a number of strategies to make District of Columbia residents equal to other Americans. Norton said she will push for a vote on the House floor on her bill to make the District a state. In 1993, Norton got the first and only floor vote on D.C. statehood. However, because of the difficulty of getting the statehood bill through the Senate, even if it gets through the House, Norton will simultaneously push the House to take up the 16 bills she has introduced this Congress to expand and round out home rule for the District. With Democrats in control of the House, Norton is likely to become chair of a subcommittee of special benefit to D.C. and will have a vote on the House floor in the Committee of the Whole. Norton has had this vote when Democrats have controlled the House. The victories across the nation that delivered the House of Representatives to Democrats offer a greater dividend to the District than to Americans anywhere else, Norton said. This victory will move the District closer to equal citizenship and statehood. Although I have been able to eliminate nearly all anti-D.C. appropriations riders, two remainprohibitions that keep D.C. from spending its local funds on abortions for low-income women and on recreational marijuana commercialization. I will continue to fight to remove these last riders. We recognize there will still be challenges ahead with a Republican Senate and White House and many new Democratic House members, but the record support we have secured this Congress for D.C. statehood and home rule should enable us to secure more equal rights and treatment for D.C. residents in the upcoming Congress. In 1993, the Democratic-led House defeated Norton's D.C. statehood bill by a vote of 153 277. This Congress, Norton has achieved a record number of cosponsors for the statehood bill in the House (175) and Senate (29). Norton has introduced or announced the following bills to expand home rule so far this Congress. The District of Columbia Paperwork Reduction Act (H.R. 1479) would eliminate the congressional review period for D.C. bills. The District of Columbia Local Prosecutor Establishment Act of 2017 (H.R. 1523) would allow the District to prosecute all crimes committed under its local laws. Currently, the U.S. Attorney for the District prosecutes almost all crimes committed by adults under local D.C. laws. The District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act (H.R. 1658) would give the D.C. Mayor the authority to deploy the D.C. National Guard for local matters. Unlike governors of the states, and even territories, the District's chief executive officer has no authority over its local Guard. The District of Columbia Home Rule Clemency Act (H.R. 1765) would give the District exclusive authority, like the states and territories, to grant clemency to offenders convicted under its local laws. Currently, this authority is exercised in D.C. by the President. The District of Columbia Civil Enforcement Equality Act (H.R. 4678) would allow the District to enter into contracts with private attorneys to sue on the District's behalf for violations of D.C. law that may otherwise go unpunished due to a lack of resources. States, cities and most federal agencies have the authority to enter into such contracts to sue for violations of their laws. The District of Columbia Home Rule Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 5265) would eliminate the applicability of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to the District. The District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act (H.R. 6129) would repeal the President's authority to assume emergency control of the local D.C. police department. The District of Columbia Home Rule Bridges Act (H.R. 6153) would repeal a law that makes it a crime for a person in D.C. to obstruct any bridge connecting D.C. and Virginia. The District of Columbia Courts Home Rule Act (H.R. 6187) would give D.C. authority over the jurisdiction and organization of the local D.C. courts. The District of Columbia Zoning Commission Home Rule Act (H.R. 6215) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the D.C. Zoning Commission. The District of Columbia Board of Zoning Adjustment Home Rule Act (H.R. 6289) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the Board, except when the Board is performing functions regarding an application by a foreign mission with respect to a chancery. The District of Columbia Chief Financial Officer Salary Home Rule Act (H.R. 6670) would give D.C. the authority to set the salary of the CFO. The District of Columbia Special Elections Home Rule Act (H.R. 6710) would give D.C. the authority to set the date of special elections. The District of Columbia Public-Private Partnerships Home Rule Act (H.R. 7020) would give D.C. the authority to enter into public-private partnerships. The National Capital Planning Commission District of Columbia Home Rule Act (H.R. 7098) would remove the authority of the National Capital Planning Commission to review or approve the development of D.C. government-owned land. The Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act would remove the authority of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts to review development of D.C.-owned parks and buildings, as well as development of certain private property in D.C. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-host-community-meeting-to-discuss-reports-of-vibration-issues,"Norton to Host Community Meeting to Discuss Reports of Vibration Issues Involving CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel, November 13",2018-11-06,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will hold a community meeting to discuss reports of vibration issues resulting from CSX trains traveling through the Virginia Avenue Tunnel on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., at a location to be determined. Norton has worked closely with the neighbors and CSX, holding several community meetings since the Virginia Avenue Tunnel project began to ensure oversight and transparency. Residents have raised concerns about possible vibrations in their homes caused by CSX trains traveling through the Virginia Avenue tunnel, and it is critical they have the opportunity to directly engage with CSX and public officials, Norton said. There may be limits to what can be done about vibrations from trains traveling in interstate commerce, but I look forward to our community meeting where all can come together to form solutions and receive a much-needed update on the state of play on CSX train travel through our neighborhoods. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-applauds-new-dc-voting-rights-lawsuit-and-says-dc-residents-ready,Norton Applauds New D.C. Voting Rights Lawsuit and Says D.C. Residents Ready to Fight for Equal Rights on All Fronts,2018-11-05,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today delivered remarks at a press conference announcing a lawsuit filed by DC Appleseed and 11 District of Columbia residents against the United States seeking voting rights in the House and Senate. In her prepared remarks, Norton said, Nothing shows how strongly D.C. residents feel about full and equal voting rights than our engagement in multiple strategiestoday's lawsuit, our pending D.C. statehood bill and the more than a dozen bills I have introduced, such as legislative autonomy, to round out and complete the Home Rule Act, that Congress should do right now. Norton's full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. With record early voting already in progress, no Americans are more ready for change than D.C. residents, who pay the highest federal taxes per capita and have no voting representation in Congress. We are therefore enormously grateful to Walter Smith and DC Appleseed and to the law firm of Harris Wiltshire and Grannis for coming forward with new and particularly encouraging litigation to obtain D.C. voting rights in the House and Senate. At the heart of this lawsuit is the confidence D.C. residents have had for more than two centuries that the founders, who went to war on the slogan of no taxation without representation, never intended their own nation's capital to be an exception. This brilliant lawsuit raises new issues that one does not have to be a legal scholar to understand: Congress can give the District representation in the Senate and House, as it has done, for example, for Americans living overseas; that the 2015 decision holding by the U.S. Supreme Court that marriage is a fundamental right opens the way to the District's argument that the vote too is a fundamental right; and that court cases that have found gerrymandering violates the First Amendment freedom of association necessarily mean that total denial of the vote to D.C. residents also violates freedom of association. Nothing shows how strongly D.C. residents feel about full and equal voting rights than our engagement in multiple strategies today's lawsuit, our pending D.C. statehood bill and the more than a dozen bills I have introduced, such as legislative autonomy, to round out and complete the Home Rule Act, that Congress should do right now. The day before the election is the right day to take fresh action with a seminal lawsuit to claim our congressional rights. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-in-your-neighborhood-with-south-manor-neighborhood-association,"Norton in Your Neighborhood with South Manor Neighborhood Association, Wednesday",2018-11-05,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will host a Norton in Your Neighborhood conversation, in conjunction with the South Manor Neighborhood Association, on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., at the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ (5301 N. Capitol St. NE). Norton will engage District of Columbia residents in conversation on recent congressional actions and bills that affect the District. Among them are her success in securing funding for D.C. priorities, including protecting $40 million in annual funding for the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG); her fight to protect home rule and D.C.'s local laws, including defeating unceasing attempts to wipe out the District's local gun safety laws; her major economic development projects, which continue to deliver jobs for D.C. residents; her bill to make D.C. the 51st state, which has attracted a record number of House and Senate cosponsors; and other congressional issues of interest to the community. Norton encourages robust questions, conversation and feedback from residents at these events. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-statement-on-the-passing-of-dr-janette-hoston-harris,Norton Statement on the Passing of Dr. Janette Hoston Harris,2018-11-05,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement on the passing of Dr. Janette Hoston Harris. The loss of Dr. Janette Hoston Harris, an outstanding civil rights leader and my friend, will be felt throughout the District of Columbia. At the same time that Dr. Harris build a reputation as a distinguished educator, she pursued many activities that rendered great public service to the community. Dr. Harris' longtime work as the first-ever appointed historian for the District of Columbia in particular will never be forgotten. Her family has my sincere condolences. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-speak-at-press-conference-as-dc-residents-sue-federal,"Norton to Speak at Press Conference as D.C. Residents Sue Federal Government for Voting Rights, Monday",2018-11-04,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will speak at a press conference as 11 District of Columbia residents file a lawsuit against the United States seeking voting rights in the House and Senate on Monday, November 5, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., outside the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (333 Constitution Ave. NW). I am grateful to DC Appleseed and the Harris Wiltshire and Grannis law firm for leading this critical effort in the courts to pursue voting rights for D.C residents, Norton said. After two centuries of inequality, the District must embrace all strategies at once to get our rights, including our pending D.C. statehood bill and the more than a dozen bills I have introduced encompassing home rule rights, such as legislative autonomy, that Congress could pass now. This brilliant lawsuit not only is consistent with these strategies, but could move the District even closer to equal representation in just a few years. Ahead of the midterm elections when millions of Americans go to the polls to elect their voting members of the House and Senate, we are simply asking for the courts to recognize the same basic democratic rights be granted to the residents of the nation's capital. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-discusses-the-impact-of-women-voters-and-future-of-the-metoo,Norton Discusses the Impact of Women Voters and Future of the #MeToo Movement on PBS To The Contrary,2018-11-03,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) can be seen on this week's airing of the PBS series To The Contrary today, Saturday, November 3, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. (WHUT) and Sunday, October 14, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. (WETA). On this week's show, the panel discussed how women are shaping the midterms and the future of the #MeToo movement. Norton is a frequent panelist. The program, which airs nationally, is shown at different times depending on the local station and includes two conservative and progressive panelists who discuss hot topics of the day. Local listings can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-push-for-architect-of-the-capitol-sensitive-to-local-dc-issues,Norton to Push for Architect of the Capitol Sensitive to Local D.C. Issues,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today thanked outgoing Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers for his service and for forging a productive relationship with her and her office. Norton said that given the large presence of the Capitol Complex in the heart of the District of Columbia, it is vital that the next Architect understand the surrounding local community and its issues and foster a positive relationship with D.C. residents and local leaders, who are neighbors. Norton will press the next Architect to work with her on a number of her priorities, including: the Louisiana Avenue Bike Lane project; her bill to permit filming on Capitol Grounds; and ensuring the complex remains open and accessible to the public, particularly the major roads such as Independence and Constitution Avenues. A bicameral and bipartisan congressional commission will recommend candidates to the president, who can pick his nominee from that list. As the search starts for a new Architect of the Capitol, I will press the selection commission to recommend candidates who understand and respect the unique relationship between the Capitol Complex and the surrounding District of Columbia community, Norton said. The Capitol is in the heart of a thriving community where people live, walk, bike and commute, and it should not be treated like a fortress that imposes its will on residents solely in the name of security for Congress or knee-jerk, unnecessary concerns. I thank Mr. Ayers for his service and look forward to working with his replacement. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-hoyer-announce-inspector-general-has-begun-review-of-usda,"Norton, Hoyer Announce Inspector General Has Begun Review of USDA Proposal to Relocate Two Agencies Out of the National Capital Region",2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) announced that, in response to their request, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Inspector General will conduct a review of the USDA's proposal to move the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, currently located in the nation's capital, by the end of 2019, and to reorganize ERS under the Office of the Secretary, a political office. The Office of Inspector General review will focus on issues identified by Hoyer and Norton in their request, including: 1. To determine USDA's legal and budgetary authority to execute a) the realignment of the Economic Research Service (ERS) under the Office of the Chief Economist and b) the relocation of ERS and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) offices, and 2. To determine USDA's adherence to any established procedures relating to agency realignment and relocation, and procedures associated with cost benefit analyses (including factors such as staff recruitment and retention, access to agency services, and cost efficiencies). Hoyer and Norton issued the following statement: We appreciate that the USDA Office of Inspector General is exercising its oversight authority to examine the unprecedented decision to relocate two vital agencies in the National Capital Region without going through normal procedures and omitting required considerations, such as a robust cost-benefit analysis. The Administration's motivations for the proposed relocations appear suspicious because of the absence of an adequate explanation for the proposed relocation or where to move the agencies. In any case, Congress has an obligation to ensure an open and transparent process in accordance with federal laws and regulations. We are also concerned about the harm this proposal would cause to the USDA's mission and its impact on over 700 federal employees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-give-keynote-address-at-dc-center-s-annual-reception-tonight,"Norton to Give Keynote Address at DC Centers Annual Reception, Tonight",2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will give the keynote address at the DC Center for the LGBT Community's annual reception tonight, Thursday, November 1, 2018, at 5:00 p.m., at the Gala Hispanic Theatre (3333 14th St. NW). She will speak about making progress in spite of problems facing the LGBTQ community resulting from actions by the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress. I thank the DC Center for always being on the front lines in the fight for the LGBTQ community, particularly in helping me protect D.C.'s local anti-discrimination laws from repeated and constant attacks by Republicans in Congress, Norton said. We are sending a message this year that being active and making your voice heard is the way to check bigotry and move the nation forward on equal rights for LGBTQ Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-request-funding-to-address-serious-understaffing-at-federal,Norton to Request Funding to Address Serious Understaffing at Federal Prisons in Pending Spending Bill,2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said she will request that congressional appropriators provide new funding for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in the pending fiscal year 2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to address serious understaffing at federal prisons in the wake of killings and violence at BOP's Hazelton facility in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, where more than 500 District of Columbia Code felons are housed. Norton called for appropriators to include the funding as they negotiate the final spending bill. The current Continuing Resolution funding the government runs through December 7, 2018. Norton has drawn particular attention to the understaffing at Hazelton, where two inmates from the District died during violent altercations this year, and yesterday it was reported that James Whitey Bulger was killed less than 24 hours after being transferred to Hazelton. Norton has requested a U.S. Department of Justice Inspector General investigation into alleged appalling conditions at Hazelton. American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President J. David Cox, who represents federal prison employees, said in a press release yesterday that Federal prisons across the country are suffering from severe understaffing, and the situation is perhaps no more dire than at Hazelton. In its release, AFGE added that Hazelton has been severely understaffed for years, which has recently been compounded by further cuts. The Bureau of Prisons has been known for high-quality, professional staff, but now there are reports that accountants, teachers and administrative assistants are called on to fill in as officers and first responders during violent incidents, Norton said. Understaffing and shortages of resources at our federal prisons have created dangerous environments that threaten the safety of inmates and personnel alike. It is past time to go to appropriators as conditions like those at Hazelton continue to deteriorate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-says-reports-of-whitey-bulger-s-death-at-bop-s-hazelton-prison,"Norton Says Reports of Whitey Bulgers Death at BOPs Hazelton Prison Heighten Her Request for IG Investigation into Prisoner Conditions, Calls for Removal of D.C. Inmates from Facility",2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said reports that James Whitey Bulger was killed at the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) Hazelton facility in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, points up the urgency of her request for a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General (IG) investigation into alleged appalling conditions inmates are facing there. Earlier this month, Norton wrote to DOJ IG Michael Horwitz requesting that he open a formal investigation. Two inmates from the District of Columbia died at Hazelton during violent altercations this past year alone amid reports of brutal treatment of others. After reports of Bulger's death, Norton today called for the removal of all D.C. Code felons from the Hazelton facility. Hazelton houses inmates who have committed federal crimes, but D.C. Code felons are the only local felons housed by BOP. As of October 9, 2018, there were 501 D.C. Code felons at Hazelton. Today's reports of another inmate death at Hazelton heighten the need for an IG investigation into the operations and prisoner conditions at this federal prison, Norton said. The two other killings at Hazelton earlier this year were of inmates from the District. Based on reports from my constituents who are housed at Hazelton and their relatives, there appears to be a serious shortage of staffing and other resources, leaving prisoners and guards vulnerable to attacks. James Whitey' Bulger's death, which occurred one day after he was transferred to Hazelton, underscores reports of a culture of violence at Hazelton and the need for the Inspector General to begin an investigation immediately. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-presses-bop-on-subsistence-fees-charged-to-returning-citizens-in,"Norton Presses BOP on Subsistence Fees Charged to Returning Citizens in Federal Halfway Houses, Which House D.C. Residents",2018-10-29,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released Norton's letter to Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Acting Director Hugh J. Hurwitz requesting that he provide information on the fees that BOP charges returning citizens while they live in federally-controlled and funded Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs), commonly referred to as halfway houses. The BOP currently charges returning citizens up to 25 percent of their gross income through these fees. District of Columbia Code felons are the only local felons housed by BOP and are subject to the fee when in halfway houses. Norton has introduced legislation that would eliminate these fees. In her letter, Norton wrote, I continue to hear about hardships caused by the BOP's fee collection procedures, including lack of information, haphazard collection practices and failure to seek waivers when appropriate. I am requesting more detailed information about how the system works so that I may better advise my constituents. She wrote that answers to the series of questions she proposed could help her provide needed information to returning D.C. citizens as well as understand BOP's need for money from those reentering society. Norton's full letter is below. Hugh J. Hurwitz Acting Director Federal Bureau of Prisons 320 First Street NW Washington, DC 20534 Dear Acting Director Hurwitz: I write to express my continued concerns with the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) practice of garnishing 25 percent of the gross wages of residents in federally-controlled Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs), commonly known as halfway houses. In explaining this practice, which erects yet another barrier to reentering the community, you indicated that the BOP counted on those funds for its operating expenses due to budgetary limitations. You also noted that the BOP waives these subsistence fees if they would cause an undue burden. I continue to hear about hardships caused by the BOP's fee collection procedures, including lack of information, haphazard collection practices and failure to seek waivers when appropriate. I am requesting more detailed information about how the system works, as outlined in the questions below, so that I may better advise my constituents. First, I would appreciate a more detailed explanation of how the subsistence fees paid by halfway house residents are returned to the BOP. According to the Department of Justice Inspector General's audit of RRCs in November 2016, the BOP had 181 RRCs operated by 103 different contractors. To understand the BOP's need for money from those reentering society, please provide the following information: A list of all RRCs in the United States with contractor name, facility address, per diem rate and amount collected as subsistence fees by each facility from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2018; and The monthly billing records from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2018, for each facility located within 300 miles of the District of Columbia, including the collection records (pay stubs, etc.) for each person, as is required by the Statement of Work for each facility. In addition, please provide your procedures for sharing information with residents by providing our offices with the following: The number of subsistence fee waivers granted in the last three fiscal years, including the facility that obtained the waiver, the amount of the reduction and the reason for it; Copies of any written information given to people leaving prison for an RRC that explains the fee system and how to apply for a waiver; Copies of any BOP internal or external guidance explaining the waiver process; and A description of the safeguards in place to ensure people who have already been assessed a Cost of Incarceration Fee do not have to pay the fee, as described in Program Statement 5380.06. As all of the information I have requested should be readily available, given the reporting requirements of the BOP's Scope of Work for RRCs, I request that you respond to this letter within 30 days. I look forward to working with you to develop a reentry system that serves returning citizens and taxpayers with equal effectiveness. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-attend-interfaith-service-and-solidarity-gathering-at-adas,"Norton to Attend Interfaith Service and Solidarity Gathering at Adas Israel Congregation, Tonight",2018-10-29,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will join faith leaders and residents at an interfaith service and solidarity gathering to mourn the 11 lives lost in this weekend's shooting at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Congregation tonight, Monday, October 29, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., at Adas Israel Congregation (2850 Quebec St. NW). All of us in the District of Columbia stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh, Norton said. Coming together in unity this evening as we mourn this unbearable loss of precious lives signals that the loss at the Shabbat service was not a loss to the Jewish community alone. However, condemning anti-Semitic and hate-filled violence is only the beginning of our obligation, considering the rapid increase in anti-Semitism in the past few years. The challenge is for action that will cast out this dangerous bigotry. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-host-community-meeting-on-reopening-maryland-avenue-gate-at,"Norton to Host Community Meeting on Reopening Maryland Avenue Gate at the National Arboretum, November 1",2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will host a community meeting to call for the reopening of the Maryland Avenue gate at the National Arboretum on Thursday, November 1, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the auditorium at the National Arboretum's Visitor Center (Use entrance at 2400 R Street NE). The most direct access to this rare nature preserve in the midst of a big city has been closed since 1991. The only ways to enter the Arboretum today are through entrances located on New York Avenue and R Street, designed for cars and away from residential neighborhoods. Appearing at the community meeting will be Richard Olsen, Director, National Arboretum; Tom McGuire, Executive Director, Friends of the National Arboretum; Sydelle Moore, President, Langston Civil Association; and ANC Commissioners Bernice Blacknell (5D04) and Robert Coomber (7D01). The National Arboretum is a national treasure that families and residents once enjoyed until its gate to the neighborhood was closed, Norton said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is overdue in making the National Arboretum once again accessible to the surrounding community. The reopening of the Arboretum's Maryland Avenue gate would greatly increase access to this resource located in the heart of our city for children, families and other residents. I look forward to hearing feedback from the neighbors, other residents and stakeholders as we prepare to make the case for a revival of neighborhood attendance at the Arboretum. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-rally-with-hhs-employees-to-urge-leadership-to-engage-in-good,"Norton to Rally with HHS Employees to Urge Leadership to Engage in Good-Faith Contract Negotiations, Today",2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will rally today, Thursday, October 25, 2018, at 12:30 p.m., in front of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building (200 Independence Ave. SW) with members of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents employees at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to urge HHS leadership to return to the bargaining table and engage in good-faith contract negotiations with HHS employees. The dedicated employees at HHS provide some of the most essential services to the American people and deserve the right to bargain for a fair contract, Norton said. Yet, HHS leadership has not even attempted to engage in good-faith negotiations. HHS leadership must end this self-imposed impasse and come to the negotiating table with HHS employees and their union. I will be there for NTEU and our HHS workers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-says-refusal-of-architect-of-the-capitol-and-senate-sergeant-at,Norton Says Refusal of Architect of the Capitol and Senate Sergeant at Arms to Attend Her Louisiana Avenue Bike Lane Community Meeting Tonight is a Missed Opportunity that Disrespects Transparency,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released Norton's letter to Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers and Senate Sergeant at Arms Michael Stenger expressing her deep disappointment that both officials have refused to attend her community meeting tonight on the Louisiana Avenue Bike Lane project. The community meeting will be held tonight, Wednesday, October 24, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m., in 2253 Rayburn House Office Building (Second Floor). Before Norton's meeting, the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host an open house from 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. to share with residents the visual representations of the preliminary plan for the bike lane, answer questions and address concerns. In her letter, Norton wrote Your refusal is disrespectful to the residents of the District of Columbia and to me as a Member of Congress, and it reflects poorly on your commitment to transparency Since the beginning of my tenure in Congress, I have successfully worked to secure funding for bike infrastructure to ensure that the District has a strong network of connected bike lanes and trails throughout the city. Louisiana Avenue is one of the few portions of the District's bike lane network that is not connected, making timely completion of this project critical to ensure the safety of bikers and to reduce automobile congestion I appreciate that Mr. Ayers has at least communicated in writing to DDOT eight issues that he wants DDOT to resolve prior to completing the final design Mr. Stenger has failed to outline his concerns in writing, although he has indicated what they are to staff. At the meeting, Norton will host a panel of public officials and community leaders to discuss the project and next steps, as well as receive input from residents. Panelists will include D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6); Sam Zimbabwe, Chief Project Delivery Officer, DDOT; Joe McCann, Chair, ANC 6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee; and Garrett Hennigan, Community Organizer, Washington Area Bicyclists Association. Norton's full letter is below. The Honorable Stephen T. Ayers Architect of the Capitol U.S. Capitol, Room SB-16 Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Michael C. Stenger Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate U.S. Capitol, Room S-151 Washington, DC 20510 Dear Messrs. Ayers and Stenger: I write to express my profound disappointment in your last-minute refusal to attend the community meeting I am hosting tonight on the Louisiana Avenue Bike Lane. I urge you to reconsider your attendance. Your refusal is disrespectful to the residents of the District of Columbia and to me as a Member of Congress, and it reflects poorly on your commitment to transparency. I very much appreciate that your offices and the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) have been working collaboratively on the bike lane project and that progress and sensible compromises have been made. Since the beginning of my tenure in Congress, I have successfully worked to secure funding for bike infrastructure to ensure that the District has a strong network of connected bike lanes and trails throughout the city. Louisiana Avenue is one of the few portions of the District's bike lane network that is not connected, making timely completion of this project critical to ensure the safety of bikers and to reduce automobile congestion. I also recognize that you report to congressional leadership and committees, and would, of course, not ask you to go beyond discussing the outstanding issues to be resolved. Your attendance, however, would enable the public to understand the issues that are still being completed and why there are good reasons for further delay before the final approval. At the same time, I appreciate that Mr. Ayers has at least communicated in writing to DDOT eight issues that he wants DDOT to resolve prior to completing the final design, and I intend to make those steps understood this evening. There is no reason why Mr. Ayers could not have indicated the same concerns to the public this evening and stated that he could not go further because of continuing discussion among the parties. Mr. Stenger has failed to outline his concerns in writing, although he has indicated what they are to staff. Finally, your staffs informed my staff yesterday, one day before our event was scheduled to take place, that you would not attend. As you know, I called you both separately, but my calls have yet to be returned. I would hope that we all would agree that every Member of Congress is entitled to the courtesy of a return call at the request of the Member. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-community-meeting-will-give-residents-first-opportunity-to,"Norton Community Meeting Will Give Residents First Opportunity to Provide Direct Feedback on Louisiana Avenue Bike Lane Project, Wednesday",2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"DDOT to Host Open House Beforehand to Allow Residents to Review Preliminary Plans for the Bike Lane WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced District of Columbia residents will have the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) and other stakeholders regarding the construction of a protected bike lane between Union Station and the U.S. Capitol Grounds on Louisiana Avenue on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m., in 2253 Rayburn House Office Building (Second Floor). Before the meeting, DDOT will host an open house from 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. to share with residents the visual representations of the preliminary plan for the bike lane, answer questions and address concerns. At the meeting, Norton will host a panel of public officials and community leaders to discuss the project and next steps, as well as receive input from residents. Panelists will include D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6); Sam Zimbabwe, Chief Project Delivery Officer, DDOT; Joe McCann, Chair, ANC 6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee; and Garrett Hennigan, Community Organizer, Washington Area Bicyclists Association. The meeting is open to the public and residents are highly encouraged to attend. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-demands-ig-investigation-of-appalling-prisoner-conditions,Norton Demands IG Investigation of Appalling Prisoner Conditions Reported at BOP Hazelton Facility After Two D.C. Inmates Killed This Year,2018-10-18,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released Norton's letter to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horwitz requesting he open a formal investigation into the alleged appalling conditions inmates are facing at the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) Hazelton facility in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. Two inmates from the District of Columbia have died at Hazelton during violent altercations during this past year alone amid reports of brutal treatment of others. Hazelton houses inmates who have committed federal crimes, but D.C. Code felons are the only local felons housed by BOP. In her letter, Norton wrote, Serious allegations have been raised concerning brutal treatment of inmates housed in the Special Housing Unit. I urgently ask that you open an immediate investigation into the operations at Hazelton Based on the evidence presented to my office, I believe that the federal employees serving in this facility have likely received inadequate training, are under-supported, and are being compelled to perform duties outside the scope of their positions and their training, which is leading to these horrific and entirely unacceptable outcomes. Norton's full letter is below. Michael E. Horowitz Inspector General United States Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 4706 Washington, DC 20534 Dear Inspector General Horowitz: I write regarding the appalling conditions inmates are facing at the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) Hazelton facility in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, and ask that you investigate and report your findings. Two inmates from the District of Columbia have died at Hazelton during violent altercations during this past year alone, and serious allegations have been raised concerning brutal treatment of inmates housed in the Special Housing Unit. I urgently ask that you open an immediate investigation into the operations at Hazelton. We recently learned from the family of my constituent that he had been, in their words, beaten badly by prison guards to the point they fractured his ribs. His family also reports that he told them that three weeks prior to this incident, guards went to his cell three times, taunted him and eventually handcuffed and beat him. They further claim that [d]uring the incident he blacked out and woke up chained, [hand]cuffed and left in a dry cell with a half mattress for 17 HOURS with NO medical assistance. His family says a padlock was used to tighten a chain around his waist, causing the lock to dig into his pelvic area for 17 hours. His family further claims that his food arrives with pubic hairs, his property has been stolen and he is taunted to elicit a reaction, allowing BOP guards to beat him with alleged justification. Another of my constituents at Hazelton claims he was attacked by guards and left in solitary confinement for several days, where he was unable to receive medical attention. He has indicated that the chain wrapped around his stomach made it difficult for him to breathe. I understand that this matter was referred to the Office of Internal Affairs, but, given its serious nature, I believe it merits an investigation by your office as well. Even worse, two District residents have been killed at Hazelton in violent altercations just this year alone. On April 2, 2018, Ian Thorne was killed in an altercation with another inmate in which homemade weapons were used, and on September 17, 2018, Demario Porter was killed in another violent altercation with a fellow inmate. I am concerned that these examples may be indicative of larger, ongoing problems at the facility. For example, I was informed by the D.C. Corrections Information Council that in a recent survey of 58 inmates at the facility, only 29% said they felt safe at Hazelton. These inmates also indicated there were staff who had been performing duties outside the scope of their work, which may account for some of these issues. Based on the evidence presented to my office, I believe that the federal employees serving in this facility have likely received inadequate training, are under-supported, and are being compelled to perform duties outside the scope of their positions and their training, which is leading to these horrific and entirely unacceptable outcomes. I ask that you open a formal investigation into these incidents and conditions at Hazelton. I appreciate your attention to these serious issues. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-calls-for-oversight-hearing-on-reports-of-indiscriminate-ice,Norton Calls for Oversight Hearing on Reports of Indiscriminate ICE Raids in D.C. and Around U.S.,2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a senior member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee (OGR), today released Norton's letter to OGR Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-SC) requesting a committee hearing on allegations of indiscriminate raids being conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the District of Columbia and across the country. Norton called for the hearing after the acting-ICE director repeatedly refused to brief her on what appeared to be capricious raids conducted by ICE in the Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights neighborhoods in the District in July. In her letter, Norton wrote, This issue has become a matter of national concern because ICE has been operating without the necessary oversight With no briefing from the responsible official at ICE, a regular committee oversight hearing is necessary to help me and the many other Members of Congress whose jurisdictions have had such raids determine whether the high bar that the statute and regulations provide is being met. A hearing is due, in any case, because of the increasing number of allegations of improper ICE raids throughout the country and the resulting litigation. Norton's full letter is below. The Honorable Trey Gowdy Chairman Committee on Oversight and Government Reform United States House of Representatives 2157 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Gowdy: I write to request that you schedule an oversight hearing to investigate the allegations of indiscriminate raids being conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the District of Columbia and across the country. For example, ICE officials claimed in a press release following the raids in D.C. that the agency continues to focus its enforcement resources on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security. A committee hearing would help Congress determine if that guidance is followed by ICE agents across the United States. I have asked the Acting Director of ICE for a briefing on the raids in D.C., but ICE has repeatedly given excuses for his refusing to meet with me. This issue has become a matter of national concern because ICE has been operating without the necessary oversight. For example, ICE made what appear to have been capricious raids in the Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights neighborhoods in the District in July, but ICE has refused a briefing with the Acting Director that would help me understand what happened. I understand that of the 132 individuals arrested in Virginia and D.C. in what ICE is terming Operation Eagle's Shield, 37 are being prosecuted on criminal charges. Because it is not clear what has happened to those who were not held under criminal charges, residents believe this is evidence that the raids were indiscriminant and unnecessarily broad in scope, targeting minority communities and not criminals. As you may know, ICE can generally arrest without a warrant only upon a particularized finding that the officer has reason to believe the individual is in the country contrary to immigration law and is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained for his arrest. See 8 U.S.C. 1357(a)(2). With no briefing from the responsible official at ICE, a regular committee oversight hearing is necessary to help me and the many other Members of Congress whose jurisdictions have had such raids determine whether the high bar that the statute and regulations provide is being met. A hearing is due, in any case, because of the increasing number of allegations of improper ICE raids throughout the country and the resulting litigation. I appreciate your attention to this matter. Please let me know if I can provide any additional details. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-announces-fourth-bill-to-remove-federal-government-from-local-dc,Norton Announces Fourth Bill to Remove Federal Government from Local D.C. Land-Use Policies,2018-10-15,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Strips Authority of U.S. Commission of Fine Arts Over D.C.-Owned and Private Property WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said today she will introduce a bill to remove the authority of a federal agency, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), to review or approve development of District of Columbia-owned parks and buildings, as well as development of certain private property in D.C. While pressing her statehood bill, Norton also has been working to expand home rule, including introducing or announcing three prior bills to remove the federal government from the District's local land-use policies and decisions. The other three Norton land-use bills would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the D.C. Zoning Commission; give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the D.C. Board of Zoning Adjustment, except when the Board is performing functions regarding an application by a foreign mission with respect to a chancery; and remove the authority of the National Capital Planning Commission to review the development of District of Columbia-owned land. As we continue to fight for statehood, we cannot sit on ways Congress could act now to remove unnecessary, undemocratic limitations on D.C.'s local government. That is why I am simultaneously moving to expand home rule, including for the most local of activities, such as land-use policies, Norton said. The federal government, whether through the Zoning Commission, the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the National Capital Planning Commission or the Commission of Fine Arts, has no business in local land-use policies and decisions. Not only is the federal government's authority over D.C. buildings and private property anti-democratic, it also delays and increases the cost of public and private development in the District. Under presidential executive orders (EOs) and federal law, the CFA has review authority of D.C.-owned parks and buildings, as well as certain private land in D.C. Under EOs, CFA has review authority over the design of D.C.-owned parks and buildings. Under the Shipstead-Luce Act, CFA has review authority over the design of private buildings in the District 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 over the design of private buildings in the part of Georgetown referred to as Old Georgetown in the act. The Members of the CFA are appointed by the President. Norton has introduced or announced the following bills to expand home rule so far this Congress. The District of Columbia Paperwork Reduction Act (H.R. 1479) would eliminate the congressional review period for D.C. bills. The District of Columbia Local Prosecutor Establishment Act of 2017 (H.R. 1523) would allow the District to prosecute all crimes committed under its local laws. Currently, the U.S. Attorney for the District prosecutes almost all crimes committed by adults under local D.C. laws. The District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act (H.R. 1658) would give the D.C. Mayor the authority to deploy the D.C. National Guard for local matters. Unlike governors of the states, and even territories, the District's chief executive officer has no authority over its local Guard. The District of Columbia Home Rule Clemency Act (H.R. 1765) would give the District exclusive authority, like the states and territories, to grant clemency to offenders convicted under its local laws. Currently, this authority is exercised in D.C. by the President. The District of Columbia Civil Enforcement Equality Act (H.R. 4678) would allow the District to enter into contracts with private attorneys to sue on the District's behalf for violations of D.C. law that may otherwise go unpunished due to a lack of resources. States, cities and most federal agencies have the authority to enter into such contracts to sue for violations of their laws. The District of Columbia Home Rule Non-Discrimination Act of 2018 (H.R. 5265) would eliminate the applicability of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to the District. The District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act (H.R. 6129) would repeal the President's authority to assume emergency control of the local D.C. police department. The District of Columbia Home Rule Bridges Act (H.R. 6153) would repeal a law that makes it a crime for a person in D.C. to obstruct any bridge connecting D.C. and Virginia. The District of Columbia Courts Home Rule Act (H.R. 6187) would give D.C. authority over the jurisdiction and organization of the local D.C. courts. The District of Columbia Zoning Commission Home Rule Act (H.R. 6215) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the D.C. Zoning Commission. The District of Columbia Board of Zoning Adjustment Home Rule Act (H.R. 6289) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the Board, except when the Board is performing functions regarding an application by a foreign mission with respect to a chancery. The District of Columbia Chief Financial Officer Salary Home Rule Act (H.R. 6670) would give D.C. the authority to set the salary of the CFO. The District of Columbia Special Elections Home Rule Act (H.R. 6710) would give D.C. the authority to set the date of special elections. The District of Columbia Public-Private Partnerships Home Rule Act (H.R. 7020) would give D.C. the authority to enter into public-private partnerships. A bill to remove the authority of the National Capital Planning Commission to review the development of District of Columbia government-owned land. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-vows-congressional-action-to-stop-trump-administration-from,Norton Vows Congressional Action to Stop Trump Administration from Unconstitutional Attempt to Limit Free Speech in Front of White House and on National Mall,2018-10-15,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said she will fiercely oppose the new proposals by the National Park Service (NPS) to severely reduce the First Amendment area along the sidewalk in front of the White House, restrict spontaneous demonstrations and impose fees for free speech permits. Norton said the proposals, particularly those targeting the First Amendment rights of Americans, would not pass constitutional muster, and similar proposals have been struck down by the courts, even during times of war. Norton will submit her statement as an official public comment to the proposals (Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1024-AE45). This is the nation's capital, the seat of our national democratic government and, consequently, where First Amendment rights are most often exercised on virtually every issue by Americans of all colors, creeds and beliefs, Norton said. The security concerns cited by NPS do not hold water considering the newly enhanced White House fence, which I specifically worked on here in Congress, both to protect the White House and to ensure that public access to the White House sidewalk would in fact be maintained. In addition, charging fees to protest would put a price on free speech and silence those who do not have the means to pay. The feedback NPS receives from its public comment period should dissuade it from pursuing these policies. But, if the Trump Administration chooses to move forward, they will have to deal with me, my colleagues in Congress and, I believe, the courts, to justify these proposals. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-discusses-rising-enthusiasm-among-women-following-kavanaugh,Norton Discusses Rising Enthusiasm Among Women Following Kavanaugh Hearings on PBS To The Contrary,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) can be seen on this week's airing of the PBS series To The Contrary today, Friday, October 12, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. (WETA); Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. (WHUT); and Sunday, October 14, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. (WETA). On this week's show, the panel discussed the fallout from the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and its impact on women voter turnout and the future of reproductive rights in America. Norton is a frequent panelist. The program, which airs nationally, is shown at different times depending on the local station and includes two conservative and progressive panelists who discuss hot topics of the day. Local listings can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-invites-capitals-fans-to-view-stanley-cup-in-her-office-next,"Norton Invites Capitals Fans to View Stanley Cup in Her Office, Next Wednesday",2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will host the Stanley Cup in her congressional office on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m., in 2136 Rayburn House Office Building (First Floor). Fans can arrive at Norton's office beginning at 9:30 a.m. and will be admitted in groups of four. Norton introduced a resolution congratulating the Washington Capitals for winning the 2018 Stanley Cup, the first championship in team history. The Stanley Cup has traveled around the world since the Caps' epic victory in June, and it is time we welcomed the Cup to Capitol Hill, Norton said. I am really pleased that the Cup is coming to Capitol Hill. Having the Cup in the House, where every jurisdiction has a representative, will send the message that our local team has won a national championship. That is good for D.C. statehood too! We invite fans to visit our office to take the unique opportunity to see the trophy up close. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-blasts-new-bop-requirement-that-dc-halfway-house-must-accept,Norton Blasts New BOP Requirement that D.C. Halfway House Must Accept Child Sex Predators,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released Norton's letter to Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Acting Director Hugh Hurwitz strongly opposing a new BOP requirement that the facility awarded a contract for a Residential Reentry Management Center in the District of Columbia metropolitan area must accept all high-risk inmates, including sexual predators whose victims were children. The five-year halfway house contract will replace or renew the contract currently held by Hope Village. Norton submitted her letter to be included in the official record concerning Request for Proposal (RFP) 200-1270-ES. In her letter, Norton wrote, We must strongly contest this new decision to condition the contract on agreeing to accept child predators, even for facilities that may be located near schools, child care facilities and other places where children congregate. Due to its high density, almost all locations in the District are within 1,000 feet of areas where children congregateThe previous five-year contract awarded to Hope Village did not have this condition. In the past, Hope Village agreed to accept sex offenders whose victims were adults. In the District, we are not willing to accept the risk of housing sex offenders whose victims were children in residential neighborhoods where children congregateThe decision regarding acceptance of all high-risk inmates, including sex offenders, regardless of their classification, does not appear to be mandated by statute. Therefore, this change is unwarranted, unworkable, untenable and unacceptable. Please remove this condition from the final contract. Norton's full letter is below. Hugh J. Hurwitz Acting Director Federal Bureau of Prisons 320 First Street NW Washington, DC 20534 Dear Acting Director Hurwitz: I request that this letter be included in the official record concerning Request for Proposal (RFP) 200-1270-ES, the five-year contract that will be awarded for a Residential Reentry Management Center in the District of Columbia metropolitan area. This RFP is to replace or renew the contract currently held by Hope Village. We understand that in the bidding process for this contract, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has now inserted a requirement that the winning facility accept all high-risk inmates, including sexual predators whose victims were children. We must strongly contest this new decision to condition the contract on agreeing to accept child predators, even for facilities that may be located near schools, child care facilities and other places where children congregate. Due to its high density, almost all locations in the District are within 1,000 feet of areas where children congregate. Moreover, this new requirement appears to be a policy, not a statutory, decision. The previous five-year contract awarded to Hope Village did not have this condition. In the past, Hope Village agreed to accept sex offenders whose victims were adults. In the District, we are not willing to accept the risk of housing sex offenders whose victims were children in residential neighborhoods where children congregate. The decision regarding acceptance of all high-risk inmates, including sex offenders, regardless of their classification, does not appear to be mandated by statute. Therefore, this change is unwarranted, unworkable, untenable and unacceptable. Please remove this condition from the final contract. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-speak-at-smithsonian-s-memorial-service-for-lori-yarrish,"Norton to Speak at Smithsonians Memorial Service for Lori Yarrish, Tomorrow",2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will speak at the Smithsonian Institution's memorial service for Lori Yarrish, Director of the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, tomorrow, Friday, October 12, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., at the Freer Gallery's Meyer Auditorium (1050 Independence Ave. SW). Norton introduced a statement into the congressional record honoring Yarrish, who passed on August 6, 2018, for her lifetime of outstanding work in the arts and her contributions to the cultural development of the District of Columbia. Norton will present her congressional record statement for Yarrish at the service. Yarrish was Norton's cousin. Lori was beloved by her family, friends and colleagues at the Smithsonian Institution for her irresistible spirit and passion for the arts and her outstanding work in bringing and promoting the arts to the D.C. community, Norton said. She was a leader and inspiration to so many. She will be sorely missed, but her contributions to the District and the Smithsonian will live on. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-host-community-meeting-on-louisiana-avenue-bike-lane-october,"Norton to Host Community Meeting on Louisiana Avenue Bike Lane, October 24",2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will host a community meeting on the construction of a protected bike lane between Union Station and the U.S. Capitol Grounds on Louisiana Avenue on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m., in HVC-201 (U.S. Capitol Visitor Center). Norton got report language in the fiscal year 2017 omnibus appropriations bill supporting the construction of the Louisiana Avenue bike lane. The Congresswoman will lead a panel featuring public officials and biking advocates to discuss the latest updates on the project and solicit public feedback on the plans for the project. The meeting is open to the public and residents are highly encouraged to attend. The biking community and I have been struggling for years to get the Louisiana Avenue protected bike lane, which has overwhelming support from the community and public officials, Norton said. This lane will fill a missing link between the District's biking networks, and will help protect cyclists, who include commuters, residents, visitors and congressional staffers. Our meeting will provide an update on the project's details, allowing residents an opportunity to offer feedback. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-participate-in-walk-to-school-day-event-at-lincoln-park-today,"Norton to Participate in Walk to School Day Event at Lincoln Park, Today",2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will join District of Columbia students and parents for Walk to School Day today, Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at 7:30 a.m., in Lincoln Park (13th St. and East Capitol St. SE). Norton, who serves as ranking member of the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, is one of the Big Four House Transportation leaders who wrote the current five-year surface transportation authorization, the FAST Act, which increased funding for pedestrian projects and created a new non-motorized safety grant to assist and incentivize states to reduce pedestrian deaths. Bike to School Day is an annual celebration of a time-honored child-parent tradition, Norton said. Today's event points up the need for localities like the District to use federal funding to invest in infrastructure that ensures safe walkways for pedestrians. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/republicans-send-a-chilling-message-to-survivors-of-sexual-assault-stay,Republicans Send a Chilling Message to Survivors of Sexual Assault: Stay Silent,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton The Republican rationale for confirming Brett Kavanaugh would make it impossible for virtually any woman (or man) to ever prevail when alleging unwanted sexual behavior. I thought we had cleared up this confusion when I chaired the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Commission issued sexual harassment guidelines, later affirmed by the Supreme Court. A confirmation is not a civil proceeding and will not affect how the Commission regards sexual intrusion matters before the EEOC. However, the Republican rationale for believing Justice Kavanaugh over Dr. Blasey Ford could significantly weaken the confidence survivors need and have shown in coming to the Commission and going to court to allege sexual misbehavior of various types. Republicans embraced the standard of corroboration, and then found insufficient the strongest case of corroboration that most experts in the field have seen. Serious, unwanted sexual intrusions are almost never witnessed. Yet, Mark Judge, who claimed faulty memory but may have participated in the alleged sexual, has never said he was not in the room. The 36-year lapse in time was more than overcome by the corroboration offered by Dr. Blasey Ford. The alleged attack she suffered was so traumatic that she had to receive treatment by a therapist years later. No wonder, you may forget most events that occurred years ago, but you will never forget a sexual assault. Moreover, Dr. Blasey Ford took the extraordinary step of undergoing a polygraph examination before testifying. Contrast the thoroughness of her evidence and testimony against what was offered by Kavanaugh, who refused to endorse the call for an FBI investigation. We can only imagine the message now sent to victims of sexual assault or harassment. If serious sexual harassment is almost always unwitnessed, sexual assaults, like most felonies need secrecy. Such allegations, therefore, most often will come down to whom do you believe. President Trump at his ceremonial swearing-in of Justice Kavanaugh went out of his way to apologize to Kavanaugh for the suffering that [he was] forced to endure and said he was proven innocent. In effect, the most powerful man in the world called Dr. Blasey Ford a liar. This heartlessly unnecessary treatment of Dr. Blasey Ford can be redressed in our democracy. It will be up to women and men to do what they did in 1992, which became the year of the woman. Elections for that memorable year, which brought the most women to the House and Senate at one time than ever before in our history, had to wait a full year. Notwithstanding Clarence Thomas' confirmation to the Supreme Court, the American people showed they believe Anita Hill. In less than a month American voters can do the same.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/the-senate-s-calculated-march-to-confirmation-ignores-christine-blasey-ford,The Senates Calculated March to Confirmation Ignores Christine Blasey Ford at Their Own Risk,2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton The Republican Senate's calculated march to confirmation is turning into an insult to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and to women in the United States. The standard Republicans are usingcorroborationhad already been met: Dr. Ford's documented treatment by a therapist for the attempted sexual assault, two additional women who asked to be heard and a polygraph Dr. Ford took before coming to testify. After promising a comprehensive investigation, the White House reduced the FBI effort to a pretense. Yet, Dr. Ford's case has unique strength. Dr. Ford's remarkable memory of the most significant details of the attack after 36 years shows that it is impossible to forget that one has been sexually assaulted. Like Anita Hill, Dr. Ford has already prevailed using the standard of credibility, as even President Trump had to admit. Kavanaugh's credibility melted when he repeatedly refused to answer when asked if he wanted an FBI investigation. If Kavanaugh is confirmed, the damage to the Supreme Court's vaunted place above the fray will be lost. The damage to women, though, will be incalculable. Within one generation, two women, Anita Hill and Christine Blasey Ford, the best we have seen or could imagine, have risked taking the national center stage to describe serious, unwanted sexual activity against them. If Kavanaugh prevails, the lesson from Senate Republicans to women is beware. No amount of corroboration will be enough. Do not depend on your own credibility. You will not be believed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-presses-bop-to-transfer-local-dc-code-juveniles-to-the-district,"Norton Presses BOP to Transfer Local D.C. Code Juveniles to the District, Closer to Their Families",2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released Norton's letter to Federal Bureau of Prisons Acting Director Hugh Hurwitz asking that five District of Columbia Code juveniles currently housed by BOP in a juvenile facility in Pennsylvania be transferred to an appropriate facility in the District. District of Columbia Code felons are the only local felons housed by BOP. In her letter, Norton wrote, I understand that your interpretation of [the D.C. Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act of 2016] would prohibit D.C. juveniles from being housed at a [D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC)] facility. However, another District agency, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), has secure residential facilities that house juveniles under its jurisdiction, and we have learned that this facility is as secure as the DOC facilities. Therefore, we believe that these juveniles should be located in a DYRS facility in the District It continues to be of great importance for BOP to house its D.C. Code juveniles here in the District, close to their families and support networks. Norton's full letter is below. Hugh J. Hurwitz Acting Director Federal Bureau of Prisons 320 First Street NW Washington, DC 20534 Dear Acting Director Hurwitz: I write to follow up on the inquiry I sent in January regarding the placement of District of Columbia Code juveniles under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). I understand that there are currently five such juveniles, all of whom are housed at the Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. I write to ask why these juveniles are no longer housed in appropriate facilities in the District. In BOP's April 7 response to me, the agency said that [a]s of October, 2018, the D.C. [Department of Corrections (DOC)] will no longer be able to house juveniles due to the D.C. Council's passage of The Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act of 2016. I understand that your interpretation of that law would prohibit D.C. juveniles from being housed at a DOC facility. However, another District agency, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), has secure residential facilities that house juveniles under its jurisdiction, and we have learned that this facility is as secure as the DOC facilities. Therefore, we believe that these juveniles should be located in a DYRS facility in the District. This change would be in keeping with what BOP agreed to in 2012 when, at my request, BOP agreed to house its D.C. Code juveniles in D.C. so that they could be closer to their families and support networks. Under the 2012 agreement, D.C. juveniles were returned from North Dakota to the District. We very much appreciated that change. It was in keeping with studies that uniformly show that, even for adult inmates, the most important factor in avoiding recidivism upon release is frequent contact with family and friends while a person has been incarcerated. It continues to be of great importance for BOP to house its D.C. Code juveniles here in the District, close to their families and support networks. I appreciate your consideration, and ask that you respond in writing with thirty days. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-fight-to-ensure-tentative-agreement-to-raise-federal-employee,Norton to Fight to Ensure Tentative Agreement to Raise Federal Employee Pay Becomes Law,2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a senior member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal employees, today released the following statement after a tentative congressional agreement was reached for a 1.9 percent pay raise for civilian federal employees. After President Trump callously canceled the pay raise scheduled for the nation's two million federal workers, I sought allies and found them, including some Republicans, Norton said. As a result, Congress is exercising its power of the purse to authorize a small pay increase for our much-deprived civil servants. This pay increase is so small that its chief benefit is recognition, not remuneration. The fight goes on until this tentative agreement becomes law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-introduce-bill-to-remove-federal-government-s-authority-over,Norton to Introduce Bill to Remove Federal Governments Authority Over District-Owned Land,2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said that she will introduce a bill to remove the authority of a federal agency, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), to review or approve the development of District of Columbia government-owned land. This bill is part of a series of bills Norton has been introducing on a dual track: expanding home rule while pursing statehood. It is outrageous that the federal government can slow or block the development of District-owned land, Norton said. The District is not a federal agency, and should never be treated as such by federal law. Under federal law, the development of District-owned public buildings, including the location, height, bulk, number of stories and size of such buildings, in the central area is subject to NCPC approval. The District is required to consult with NCPC on its buildings outside the central area, but NCPC has only advisory authority in those areas. The central area is defined by the concurrent action of NCPC and the D.C. Council, and currently consists of the Downtown and Shaw Urban Renewal Areas. NCPC consists of 12 members: three appointed by the President, two appointed by the Mayor, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services, the Mayor, the Chair of the D.C. Council, the Chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Norton has introduced the following bills to expand home rule so far this Congress. The District of Columbia Paperwork Reduction Act (H.R. 1479) would eliminate the congressional review period for D.C. bills. The District of Columbia Local Prosecutor Establishment Act of 2017 (H.R. 1523) would allow the District to prosecute all crimes committed under its local laws. Currently, the U.S. Attorney for the District prosecutes almost all crimes committed by adults under local D.C. laws. The District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act (H.R. 1658) would give the D.C. Mayor the authority to deploy the D.C. National Guard for local matters. Unlike governors of the states, and even territories, the District's chief executive officer has no authority over its local Guard. The District of Columbia Home Rule Clemency Act (H.R. 1765) would give the District exclusive authority, like the states and territories, to grant clemency to offenders convicted under its local laws. Currently, this authority is exercised in D.C. by the President. The District of Columbia Civil Enforcement Equality Act (H.R. 4678) would allow the District to enter into contracts with private attorneys to sue on the District's behalf for violations of D.C. law that may otherwise go unpunished due to a lack of resources. States, cities and most federal agencies have the authority to enter into such contracts to sue for violations of their laws. The District of Columbia Home Rule Non-Discrimination Act of 2018 (H.R. 5265) would eliminate the applicability of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to the District. The District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act (H.R. 6129) would repeal the President's authority to assume emergency control of the local D.C. police department. The District of Columbia Home Rule Bridges Act (H.R. 6153) would repeal a law that makes it a crime for a person in D.C. to obstruct any bridge connecting D.C. and Virginia. The District of Columbia Courts Home Rule Act (H.R. 6187) would give D.C. authority over the jurisdiction and organization of the local D.C. courts. The District of Columbia Zoning Commission Home Rule Act (H.R. 6215) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the D.C. Zoning Commission. The District of Columbia Board of Zoning Adjustment Home Rule Act (H.R. 6289) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the Board, except when the Board is performing functions regarding an application by a foreign mission with respect to a chancery. The District of Columbia Chief Financial Officer Salary Home Rule Act (H.R. 6670) would give D.C. the authority to set the salary of the CFO. The District of Columbia Special Elections Home Rule Act (H.R. 6710) would give D.C. the authority to set the date of special elections. The District of Columbia Public-Private Partnerships Home Rule Act (H.R. 7020) would give D.C. the authority to enter into public-private partnerships. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/shrouded-fbi-kavanaugh-investigation-is-only-fueling-more-controversy,Shrouded FBI Kavanaugh Investigation is Only Fueling More Controversy,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton There is a new Kavanaugh investigation controversy brewing in real time under our congressional noses. An FBI investigation is not a check the box step or a bump in the road on the way to confirmation. As it is, the new investigation has been off to a confusing start with continuing controversy about differences between what President Trump is saying about a comprehensive investigation and Senate Republicans indicating a narrower or limited scope. The current FBI investigation is not the usual background check, which reports to the executive. This FBI investigation is unique. Its origin is the Senate, not the President (although he ultimately ordered it). Its purpose is not to assess qualifications, but to allow senators to test conflicting evidence about the nominee. Yet, there is no apparent plan of action for what to do with the FBI investigation, except that Members of the Senate will receive the results. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has just created a new controversy by saying that the FBI's findings will be not made public. The delivery of the FBI findings to the Senate, followed immediately by a vote, jumps over the point of an investigation in the first placeto enable the Senators to digest the findings and ask questions based on them to satisfy Senators about the issues that have been raised. The FBI was brought in to help the Senators to settle issues, not create new issues based on the use of the FBI findings. Senate Republicans agreed to the FBI investigation only under pressure. A secret FBI report, not used by the Senate except in enabling them to vote, has just generated new controversy. To avoid making this process even more controversial, the Judiciary Committee needs to announce a process for considering the findings and acting on them in public deliberations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blog-shrouded-fbi-kavanaugh-investigation-is-only-fueling-more,Blog: Shrouded FBI Kavanaugh Investigation is Only Fueling More Controversy,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton There is a new Kavanaugh investigation controversy brewing in real time under our congressional noses. An FBI investigation is not a check the box step or a bump in the road on the way to confirmation. As it is, the new investigation has been off to a confusing start with continuing controversy about differences between what President Trump is saying about a comprehensive investigation and Senate Republicans indicating a narrower or limited scope. The current FBI investigation is not the usual background check, which reports to the executive. This FBI investigation is unique. Its origin is the Senate, not the President (although he ultimately ordered it). Its purpose is not to assess qualifications, but to allow senators to test conflicting evidence about the nominee. Yet, there is no apparent plan of action for what to do with the FBI investigation, except that Members of the Senate will receive the results. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has just created a new controversy by saying that the FBI's findings will be not made public. The delivery of the FBI findings to the Senate, followed immediately by a vote, jumps over the point of an investigation in the first placeto enable the Senators to digest the findings and ask questions based on them to satisfy Senators about the issues that have been raised. The FBI was brought in to help the Senators to settle issues, not create new issues based on the use of the FBI findings. Senate Republicans agreed to the FBI investigation only under pressure. A secret FBI report, not used by the Senate except in enabling them to vote, has just generated new controversy. To avoid making this process even more controversial, the Judiciary Committee needs to announce a process for considering the findings and acting on them in public deliberations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-deliver-keynote-address-at-atca-s-annual-women-in-aviation,"Norton to Deliver Keynote Address at ATCAs Annual Women in Aviation Breakfast, Tomorrow",2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a senior Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, will deliver the keynote address at the Air Traffic Controller Associations' (ACTA) second annual Women in Aviation Breakfast tomorrow, Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at 8:15 a.m., at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center (201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD). I am excited to join women who are leaders in the fields of aviation and the aeronautical sciences, Norton said. I am particularly pleased to be addressing our air traffic controllers, who are key aviation personnel, right after the House passed our bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, providing much-needed certainty to our dedicated air traffic controllers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-thanks-dc-second-graders-for-her-resolution-designating-september,Norton Thanks D.C. Second Graders for Her Resolution Designating September as National Peace Month,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution to designate September as Peace Month and to call on Congress to take action to promote peace, at home and abroad, an idea that came from the Helpful Potato Bugs, a class of second grade students at Horace Mann Elementary School in the District of Columbia. The students submitted to the Congresswoman a handwritten note, adorned with peace signs, expressing their desire to help make the world a peaceful place and for all Americans to be nice, have no conflicts, and be very peaceful. Listen to the children,' as they say. I am grateful to the incredibly bright and compassionate students at Horace Mann for writing me on the need for Congress to do more to promote peace here, around the world and in Congress, Norton said. Surely this resolution will serve as a reminder to my colleagues in the House and Senate, and to our country, that our children are watching, and Congress must do more to encourage action that help achieve peace around the world. We are grateful to the wise Helpful Potato Bugs second grade students for keeping Congress on its toes! Norton's full resolution is below. RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of September as Peace Month and calling on Congress to take action to promote peace. Whereas the United Nations designated September 21 International Day of Peaceotherwise known as Peace Day; Whereas the United Nations General Assembly declared Peace Day as a day devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples; Whereas all United Nations member states, organizations, regional and nongovernmental organizations, and individuals are encouraged to celebrate and recognize global peace efforts on Peace Day; Whereas Peace Day represents shared hopes of an end to conflict in all forms; Whereas the United Nations calls for a 24-hour global ceasefire on Peace Day; Whereas this year's Peace Day theme is The Right to Peace The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70; Whereas 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone development in contemporary human history promoting peace and well-being worldwide; Whereas violent conflicts could cost upwards of $13.6 trillion per year globally; Whereas conflict prevention measures could save between $5 billion to $70 billion per year on average; Whereas there is almost no interstate war; Whereas the absolute number of war deaths has been declining since 1945; Whereas life-threatening diseases are on the decline globally; Whereas measles deaths globally were 90,000 in 2016, down from 550,000 in 2000; Whereas 2017 saw only 19 cases of polio globally compared to an average of 350,000 per year in the 1980s; Whereas the world is close to eradicating the guinea worm disease; Whereas there were less than 5,000 deaths from natural disasters in 2017; Whereas nearly a billion people have escaped extreme poverty since 1999; Whereas the United Nations met its Millennium Development Goal of halving the extreme poverty rate in 1990 by 2010, five years ahead of schedule; Whereas the global unemployment rate fell from 6.4 percent in 2000 to 5.6 percent in 2017; Whereas the global maternal mortality rate declined by 47 percent between 2000 and 2016; Whereas the global mortality rate for children under 5 fell by 44 percent and the neonatal mortality rate fell by 39 percent in the same time period; Whereas global peace promotion efforts improve the lives of Americans and all peoples; Whereas the United States has a long history of promoting peace and human rights at home and abroad; Whereas September would be an appropriate month to designate as Peace Month: Now, therefore be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the designation of Peace Month; and calls on Congress to promote peace, both at home and abroad. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-take-special-order-time-on-house-floor-to-discuss-momentum-for,"Norton to Take Special Order Time on House Floor to Discuss Momentum for D.C. Statehood, This Afternoon",2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.As the House of Representatives gavels out until the November elections, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today will hold time on the House floor to talk about the record-breaking support she has garnered for District of Columbia statehood this Congress, while simultaneously fighting back against a record number of anti-democratic attacks by House Republicans on D.C.'s local laws and policies. Norton is expected to speak on the House floor near noon. As my colleagues prepare to head back to their districts for the upcoming midterm elections, I want to leave them with D.C. statehood ringing in their ears as they may come back to find a different party in control of Congress, Norton said. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hoyer-norton-ask-inspector-general-to-investigate-usda-proposal-to,"Hoyer, Norton Ask Inspector General to Investigate USDA Proposal to Relocate Two Agencies Out of the National Capital Region",2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General Phyllis K. Fong requesting that she examine the legality, the rationale, and the process used to develop the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposal to relocate the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, currently located in the nation's capital, by the end of 2019, and to reorganize ERS under the Office of the Secretary, a political office. Nearly 700 federal employees could be affected by the relocation. In their letter, Hoyer and Norton wrote, We are deeply concerned that the process used to develop USDA's relocation proposal may have omitted critical considerations. It is unclear whether a robust cost-benefit analysis was completed to justify relocation of two vital federal agencies. In fact, the proposed relocation may result in considerable harm to the USDAGiven this sweeping change in prior policy, we request that you examine whether the USDA has the legal and budget authority to execute the relocation and reorganization of these two important agencies without additional authority being provided by Congress. We also request a determination regarding the sufficiency of the cost-benefit analysis used to pursue this drastic change in policy. The full letter is below. The Honorable Phyllis K. Fong Inspector General U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 117-W Jamie Whitten Bldg. 1400 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20250 Dear Inspector General Fong: We write to express our concern regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recent reorganization and relocation proposal that would move the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) out of the Washington, D.C. region. The current headquarters facility for NIFA is in General Services Administration (GSA) leased space in Washington, D.C. Essential questions regarding the legality of USDA's proposal, the rationale for the potential move and the process used to develop this proposal remain unanswered, and we ask that you conduct a detailed analysis of each of these issues. The USDA issued a Notice of Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) for Potential Sites to relocate ERS and NIFA on August 15, 2018, but did so without a clear determination that the USDA has the legal authority to relocate an agency without Congressional approval or the budget authority to acquire the real estate necessary to execute the move of these two agencies. In a highly unusual decision, the USDA decided to issue its RFEI under its own authority rather than under the leasing authority of GSA and stated its view that the scope of the RFEI encompassed the entire country. However, even if the USDA's leasing authority would provide adequate legal authority for a long-term lease agreement, a much larger question surrounds whether the USDA has the budget authority to proceed with this move. Section 717(a) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-141) prohibits the expenditure of funds for the relocation of an office or employees or the reorganization of offices, programs or activities unless the House and Senate Appropriations Committees are given written notice and grant approval 30 days before funds are reprogrammed for those purposes. USDA's plan, which has not been approved by appropriators, would both relocate employees and reorganize an office by moving ERS into the Office of the Secretary. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report that makes clear that several federal agencies have incorrectly determined that their independent real estate lease authority grants them the ability to sign long-term lease agreements without accompanying budget authority. We believe that the USDA may be similarly mistaken. On August 30, 2018, Democratic members of the House Appropriations Committee wrote to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue expressing their concern about the move and requested more information from the USDA about the justification for these actions. We share these concerns and believe that a proposal of this magnitude should not be allowed to move forward while such fundamental questions remain unresolved. The USDA has cited three reasons for its proposal to move ERS and NIFA away from the nation's capital and has supplied insufficient evidence to support the accuracy of those concerns. USDA Secretary Perdue has specifically cited the USDA's inability to attract and retain highly qualified staff, a need to place USDA resources closer to stakeholders and to reduce costs for employees and real estate. However, as recently as January 9, 2018, GSA submitted a prospectus on behalf of the USDA proposing the continued housing of NIFA in Washington, DC, USDA's home since the 1800s and the hub of a workforce that ranks among the most highly educated in the nation. Since that submission, the USDA has provided no evidence that it has had difficulty recruiting and retaining ERS and NIFA staff. Similarly, the USDA has not provided the rationale for why ERS and NIFA, as opposed to other USDA agencies, need to move close to stakeholders and leave the Washington, D.C. region. Moreover, the USDA has also not indicated why it has pursued a relocation strategy independent of GSA, the federal agency tasked with providing real estate services to other federal agencies. Finally, we are deeply concerned that the process used to develop USDA's relocation proposal may have omitted critical considerations. It is unclear whether a robust cost-benefit analysis was completed to justify relocation of two vital federal agencies. In fact, the proposed relocation may result in considerable harm to the USDA. A number of press reports have indicated that USDA officials believe that many ERS and NIFA officials will choose not to relocate and that this potential relocation could deprive the agencies of many of their top economists and scientists with specialized knowledge. Given this sweeping change in prior policy, we request that you examine whether the USDA has the legal and budget authority to execute the relocation and reorganization of these two important agencies without additional authority being provided by Congress. We also request a determination regarding the sufficiency of the cost-benefit analysis used to pursue this drastic change in policy. We appreciate your attention to these concerns, and request a reply within thirty days. Sincerely, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-house-democrats-speak-out-in-support-of-kavanaugh-accusers,"Norton, House Democrats Speak Out in Support of Kavanaugh Accusers, Increase Call for FBI Investigation",2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today spoke at a press conference hosted by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) supporting Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and the other women who have come forward to tell their stories regarding Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Norton said that Republicans have learned few lessons since she and six of her women colleagues in the House walked over to the Senate to demand a hearing for Anita Hill, and that standard investigation by the Federal Bureau Investigation must be conducted now, particularly as new accusers have come forward. In her remarks, Norton said, in part, The rush to judgement is highly risky for the Supreme Court itself, as well as for Judge Kavanaugh, as more women appear to be gathering the courage to come forward, bolstered by those who have come forward before themTo deny the usual FBI investigation, Republicans fall back on the six background checks that were necessary for Judge Kavanaugh's federal employment and for a federal judgeship. Those background checks only point up the necessity for the FBI to go back and check what it missed, perhaps understandablyIf high moral and ethical standards are expected of ordinary citizens, judges who sit in judgement of ordinary citizens should be held to even higher standards. Norton's full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. Senate Republicans appear to have learned only the two most obvious lessons from the Anita Hill controversy. First: women Members of Congress did not have to walk over to the Senate to get a hearing, as seven of us did in 1991. Second: Republicans have learned to avoid the optics of all-male interrogators on their side. Because the Judiciary Committee Republicans have no women members, they have had to go to outside counsel. Nevertheless, the Republican majority has failed to make the necessary preparations to credibly handle the serious substance of these allegations. These allegations are very different than the alleged sexual harassment by Justice Clarence Thomas. Sexual assault is a criminal allegation. The rush to judgement is highly risky for the Supreme Court itself, as well as for Judge Kavanaugh, as more women appear to be gathering the courage to step forward, bolstered by those who have come forward before them. So far, three women have spoken outChristine Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez, and Julie Swetnick, who is my constituent. I have not yet had the chance to reach out to Ms. Swetnick, but in a sworn affidavit, she alleges that she was a victim of a gang or train rape, where Brett Kavanaugh and Mark Judge were present. President George H.W. Bush at least ordered the usual FBI investigation, notwithstanding criticism of its quality and the time provided. However, in the week and a half of controversy already surrounding Dr. Ford's allegations, an FBI investigation could have occurred or been well underway. To deny the usual FBI investigation, Republicans fall back on the six background checks that were necessary for Judge Kavanaugh's federal employment and for a federal judgeship. Those background checks only point up the necessity for the FBI to go back and check what it missed, perhaps understandably. Considering the embarrassment and risk that women face when they speak publically about sexual matters until this day, it may have been difficult for the FBI to draw out the women who are beginning to come forward to be examined under oath today. Even more notably, Dr. Ford has taken steps beyond offering to testify under risk of perjury in a public hearing. She has taken a polygraph test. Judge Kavanaugh has offered his version of events on television but has not yet submitted anything under oath and, of course, has not offered to take a lie director test. If high moral and ethical standards are expected of ordinary citizens, judges who sit in judgement of ordinary citizens should be held to even higher standards. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-gets-her-provisions-to-combat-airplane-noise-and-other-priorities,"Norton Gets Her Provisions to Combat Airplane Noise and Other Priorities in FAA Reauthorization Bill to Be Considered on the House Floor, This Week",2018-09-25,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.With aircraft noise rising here in the District of Columbia and around the country, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus and a senior Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Aviation Subcommittee, today announced she has gotten several of her provisions to help address airplane noise and other priorities included in the final House-Senate negotiated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill. The bill would reauthorize the FAA for five years and will be considered on the House floor this week. I am pressing the House and Senate to pass our bipartisan, long-term FAA reauthorization bill, which includes a number of my top priorities, particularly important, measures to combat airplane noise in D.C. neighborhoods, Norton said. The bill also includes the much-needed provision to create a task force aimed at addressing the scourge of sexual assault on airplanes. My provision to ban the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices on airplanes, a step we must take before these devices get out of control, is also in the bill. I look forward to passage so we can finally have a long-term FAA authorization in place without the threat of privatization. The noise provisions Norton got in the bill include adding D.C. to a list of areas for a study on potential health and economic impacts of airplane noise; requiring the FAA to conduct Noise Mitigation and Safety Study and deliver a report to Congress within two years; and requiring the FAA to deliver a report within one year to Congress evaluating alternative metrics to the current average day night level standard, which is used to measure a person's cumulative exposure to sound over a 24-hour period, such as the use of actual noise sampling. The bill also includes a provision to establish the National In-Flight Sexual Misconduct Task Force, which will review current practices, protocols and requirements of air carriers in responding to allegations of sexual misconduct by passengers onboard aircraft and provide recommendations on training, reporting and data collection. Norton and Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR) introduced a bill to require the Federal Bureau of Investigation to collect statistics related to sexual assaults on any mode of transportation under federal jurisdiction, including airplanes and ships. The bill includes Norton's provision to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices on airplanes. Norton first introduced this provision as a standalone bill after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a rule prohibiting passengers and crewmembers from carrying battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices in checked baggage, but did not ban the use of these vaping devices on airplanes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-supports-yale-law-school-faculty-s-call-for-a-fair-process-to,Norton Supports Yale Law School Facultys Call for a Fair Process to Investigate Allegations Against Kavanaugh,2018-09-24,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a Yale Law School alumna, today supported a letter signed by 47 members of the Yale Law School faculty calling on the Senate to conduct a fair and deliberate confirmation process that includes an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Kavanaugh is an alumnus of Yale College and Yale Law School. I have always been proud not only of my Yale Law School education, but also of the enduring legal and ethical values I learned as part of my training. I commend and thank the Yale Law School faculty, who have demonstrated those values by calling for the Senate to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Otherwise, womenlike Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirezwill get the message from the Senate that, in the future, no matter how serious the allegations or what is at stake for the country, the risk of stepping forward will be dismissed by the Senate, with only the women paying a price. Judge Kavanaugh also has much to lose if he is confirmed with an uninvestigated cloud hanging over his nomination. There is too much at stake with a lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court for this process to be rushed or appear at all compromised by the failure to thoroughly investigate these serious allegations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-speak-at-two-community-events-supporting-dc-s-lgbtq-community,"Norton to Speak at Two Community Events Supporting D.C.s LGBTQ Community, Today",2018-09-22,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today will speak at two events celebrating and supporting the District of Columbia's LBGTQ community. Norton will speak at a community celebration and health fair hosted by Mary's House for Older Adults from 12:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. at 401 Anacostia Rd. SE. Mary's House is celebrating a $1.19 million award from the District for affordable housing for LGBTQ seniors. Norton will also speak at Whitman-Walker Health's 40th Anniversary Gala from 6:30 p.m. 11:00 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis (901 Massachusetts Ave NW). Norton has worked closely with Whitman-Walker since she came to Congress to fight to reduce the District's HIV/AIDS rate. Since I first arrived in Congress, we have come a long way toward ensuring equal rights and treatment for D.C.'s LGBTQ residents, Norton said. These two outstanding organizations have been critical to the network providing resources and treatment to our LGBTQ community. D.C. desperately needs Mary's House for affordable housing for LGBTQ seniors, the first in D.C. I also look forward to congratulating Whitman-Walker on its 40th anniversary for providing first-class health care to D.C. residents and tirelessly working to reduce the District's HIV/AIDS rate. We have made tremendous progress since I was able to remove the deadly needle exchange rider and I will pledge tonight to continue the efforts that still must be pursued. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-discusses-controversial-kavanaugh-hearing-on-pbs-to-the-contrary,Norton Discusses Controversial Kavanaugh Hearing on PBS To The Contrary,2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) can be seen on this week's airing of the PBS series To The Contrary today, Friday, September 21, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. (WETA); Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. (WHUT); and Sunday, September 23, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. (WETA). On this week's show, the panel discussed the controversial hearing for Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh and the sexual assault allegations made against him by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Norton is a frequent panelist. The program, which airs nationally, is shown at different times depending on the local station and includes two conservative and progressive panelists who discuss hot topics of the day. Local listings can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blog-a-hearing-without-an-fbi-investigation-would-disserve-dr-ford-and,Blog: A Hearing Without an FBI investigation Would Disserve Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh,2018-09-20,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Why are Republicans resisting the standard FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against Judge Brett Kavanaugh (President George H.W. Bush ordered one during the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas controversy)? The fact is Dr. Ford has no alternative to an FBI investigation, particularly if the Senate Judiciary Committee continues to insist that the hearing involve only Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh. Otherwise, the hearing would have no objective background or evidence relevant to allegations, reducing it to a useless swearing contest, perhaps harmful to both parties. During an FBI investigation, interviews would necessarily be held with witnesses to corroborate each party, including the professional who treated Ford (and her husband) for trauma during couples therapy resulting from the alleged attempted rape, as well as access to a polygraph that Ford has taken, if desired. (Would Kavanaugh take a polygraph?) The false deadline set by Republicans is a disservice to both Kavanaugh and Ford. Every Member of the House and Senate knows that hearings without preparation by the relevant agencies do not occur because they would be worthless. A hearing without the usual FBI preparatory investigation would not only be unfair to Ford, but it would also make it difficult for Kavanaugh to credibly clear his name of a disqualifying charge, and it would risk a stain on the Supreme Court itself.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-introduce-bill-to-require-federal-agencies-to-report,Norton to Introduce Bill to Require Federal Agencies to Report Advertising Spending with Newspapers and Media Companies Owned by Minorities and Women,2018-09-20,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that she will introduce a bill to require all federal agencies to include in their annual budget requests to Congress the amount they spent in the most recent fiscal year on advertising contracts with newspapers and media companies owned by minorities and women, as well as projections of such spending for the upcoming fiscal year. Norton will also send letters to all 12 appropriations subcommittees during the next appropriations cycle requesting that they require each agency under their jurisdiction to include this advertising data in their budget requests. In 2016, Norton led a group of Members of Congress in requesting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the federal advertising contract obligations to small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) and those owned by minorities and women. The GAO report, released in July, showed that in fiscal year 2017, only 16 percent of the federal government's advertising contract obligations went to SDBs and those owned by minorities and women. The federal government is the largest advertiser in the United States, and it has an obligation to ensure fair access to its contracts for minority and women-owned newspapers and media companies, Norton said. My bill would provide the transparency to ensure federal agencies are striving to reach minorities, who often get their daily news from smaller media outlets who serve communities of color. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-releases-findings-from-community-meeting-on-helicopter-noise,"Norton Releases Findings from Community Meeting on Helicopter Noise, Encourages Further Public Feedback",2018-09-19,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus, released a detailed summary of findings from Norton's community meeting on reducing helicopter noise in the District of Columbia. Norton's meeting featured testimony from local and federal agencies that fly helicopters and manage flight paths in D.C., including Metropolitan Police Department, D.C. National Guard, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, U.S. Park Police, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Norton is inviting residents to review the meeting summary and e-mail their feedback to HelicopterFeedback@mail.house.gov. Norton will also be asking for further feedback from the expert witnesses who testified at the meeting. Our community meeting facilitated a productive and wide-ranging discussion on ways we can work with federal and local agencies to reduce helicopter noise for residents, Norton said. Our meeting is the start of the conversation as I continue to work with residents on the follow-up action items, which my office is undertaking now. I encourage residents to review the summary of the meeting and provide further feedback so we can move toward solutions. Norton's work on helicopter noise follows her success in getting several provisions to combat airplane noise included in the House FAA reauthorization bill. Norton held a community meeting on combating airplane noise, similar to her community meeting on helicopter noise. Norton's FAA provisions would study ways to more quickly phase out noisier, older aircraft, review the relationship between aircraft noise exposure and its effects on communities around airports, update airport noise exposure maps, ensure community involvement in FAA NextGen projects located in Metroplexes and implement an environmental mitigation pilot program. Norton also got funding for institutions of higher education to conduct studies on the health impacts of prolonged exposure to airplane noise and emissions, and she got the District added to a list of cities where the health studies are to be conducted. A full summary has been posted on the Congresswoman's website and can be viewed below. Helicopter Noise Community Meeting Summary Date: May 30, 2018 Participating Agencies and Panelists Robert Owens, Assistant District Manager, Federal Aviation Administration Lt. John Matula, Commander, Aviation Section, U.S. Park Police Col. Scott Grundahl, Commander, 811th Operations Group, U.S. Air Force Maj. Patrick Johnsen, Marine Helicopter Squadron One Operations, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brendan Cullinan, Commander, 12th Aviation Battalion, U.S. Army Jeffery Carroll, Assistant Chief, Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Col. Jonathan S. Ebbert, Director of Military Support, District of Columbia National Guard Lt. Col. Jeffery Wingblade, Commander, District of Columbia National Guard Aviation Forces Goal of the Meeting Helicopter noise is an issue affecting the District as a whole, but especially residents in Wards 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8. The goal of this community meeting was to hear from residents and agencies managing flight paths and operating helicopters in the District, learn more about the causes of increased helicopter noise and identify potential solutions for minimizing the disruption caused by helicopter noise. Scope of the Problem Residents have noted an increase in the frequency of helicopter noise. Residents who have lived in the city for decades noted that they have observed a marked increase in frequency compared to prior years. In some instances, the vibrations from helicopter noise are so intense that homes shake. Residents noted that in some parts of the city, e.g. California Street, helicopters have not necessarily been flying more frequently, but they do appear to be flying lower. Residents stated that they noticed helicopter noise at various times throughout the week, including Fridays and Saturday mornings. This has negatively affected their quality of life. Current Helicopter Activity D.C. National Guard: Lt. Col. Wingblade noted the importance of training and the need for frequent flights. Pilots come out of flight school with about 100 to 120 hours of flight time and pilots are constantly flying to accumulate more hours as they work toward Pilot in Command (PIC) status. Pilots sometimes have to accumulate 600 hours to be a PIC. Lt. Col. Wingblade mentioned that the latest he flies is around 10:30 p.m., but said that most of his flights were at 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. Lt. Col. Wingblade noted that some degree of nighttime flying is necessary for pilots because they must become proficient with night-vision goggles. U.S. Air Force: Col. Grundahl noted that Air Force flights in the area have not increased. He noted that the number of nighttime flights have actually decreased and that there has been an overall reduction of 14 flights per week. However, Col. Grundahl also mentioned that people may be seeing more flights in the afternoon. A member of the audience noted that two-blade helicopters are the loudest helicopters. Col. Grundahl noted that the Air Force currently uses two-blade helicopters. Col. Grundahl noted that the Army has conducted a compatible use study that is available through standard FOIA requests. Residents in attendance wondered whether planes had begun flying at lower altitudes. Panelists stated that their agencies have not been flying lower or more frequently. However, panelists noted that pilots sometimes have to lower flight altitude to assist with Medevac or to investigate crime activity. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA noted that it conducted a study last year using information gathered from radar replays and counts of helicopter traffic that showed a bit of a decrease in helicopter operations in the area. However, this study did not measure altitude. WebTrackThis is a radar tracking system that has been running for a few years. A constituent noted problems from lack of regulation around rotor-wing aircraft vs. fixed-wing aircraft, which are more tightly regulated. A constituent also noted that there are three main helicopter flight paths over the District. Animal WelfareConstituent raised concerns about animal welfare and the potential adverse effects of helicopter noise and activity on humans as well as animals. George Washington University (GW) Hospital Helipad Issue GW wants to change an existing D.C. law, the Helicopter Landing Pad Nuisance Act of 1987, which prohibits helipads in residential areas. GW is one of two Level 1 trauma centers in the District, but of the two, only MedStar Washington Hospital Center has a place for helicopters to land. Airlifted trauma patients treated at GW are currently dropped off near Nationals Park and then transported to GW by ambulance. Constituents asserted that GW refuses to pay for studies about noise impacts in the community and also refuses to pay for restoration work to repair any damage caused by increased helicopter activity. They noted that hospitals in other areas are paying for soundproofing and restoration of homes. Constituents expressed concerns about noise as well as the safety of buildings and damage that could occur as a result of helicopter activity. Constituents also worry that changing the existing law would allow other hospitals in residential areas to follow suit in constructing their own helipads and increase helicopter noise activity in the area. The Congresswoman noted that she cannot overturn D.C. law without losing the valuable credibility she has accrued in her efforts to keep the House and Senate from overturning D.C. laws. The helipad decision is a District matter, and not a federal matter. She also expressed that she understood constituents' concerns and would have staff contact the D.C. Council to learn more and monitor developments. Update: Staff from the Congresswoman's office contacted the office of the Chairman of the D.C. Council, Phil Mendelson, to discuss the legislation that would allow the construction of the helipad. We are aware that this measure passed in the Council in early June and has been signed by the mayor. A constituent noted the link between helicopter/aviation noise and high cholesterol levels that was identified in an American Heart Society [sic] study. Upon further review, we did not see a study by the American Heart Association on this issue. However, there are other studies that show a correlation between airport noise and the risk of high blood pressure and heart problems. Ideas Raised by Audience Modifications to current training practices: One resident mentioned the idea of cutting down on the number of training hours that must be completed within D.C. and perhaps allowing some of those training hours to be accumulated in areas outside of D.C., while allowing pilots to finish geography training in D.C. Finding ways to limit flights at night and fly more helicopters during the afternoon so as not to disturb residents. However, panelists noted that some flights at night are necessary because night flying is a critical part of the training required for pilot certification. There is a general desire to learn more about the cause of the greater prevalence of helicopter noise in D.C. neighborhoods. Specifically, residents are asking for data noting the frequency of flights over neighborhoods with information provided on each agency flying, the times of each flight, flight altitude, number of laps each helicopter makes, routes and zones and more information on how many flights occur during the day vs. the night. The owner of the South Capitol Street Helipad attended the meeting and committed to collecting information on helicopter activity at the helipad and making this information publicly available. The Congresswoman noted the need for regulation and coordination among agencies on hours of training and the amount of training that has to be completed in this area rather than varying hours of training decided separately by each agency. She also agreed with residents who mentioned that we need more information on the number of flights occurring during the day and night. Outstanding Questions: Why do some agencies fly helicopters at different altitudes? What is contributing to the increase in severity and frequency of helicopter noise in the area? Congresswoman's Next Steps Announced at Meeting The office will share a copy of the notes and key takeaways from the community meeting with the public. We will provide a space for the public to provide feedback on our summary and note anything they would like for us to include. The Congresswoman will review the feedback from the public and convene a meeting with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as well as the ANC commissioners from affected wards to discuss next steps. The Congresswoman will request a GAO report on the issue of helicopter activity and noise in D.C. She will specifically request that the GAO cross the line among agencies to gather complete information on all helicopter activity in the area. Feedback from the Congresswoman The Congresswoman's office will continue engaging with the issue of helicopter noise in the District by obtaining additional information on the following questions and potential solutions. Question: In addition to resulting from routine operations of various agencies, some helicopter noise in the District is also related to training exercises. What actions could agencies take to minimize noise from training activities while also retaining high-quality training programs? Remedy: One potential solution could involve agencies operating helicopters in the District reducing the training hours that must occur in the District, especially at night. Question: Constituents noted that helicopter activity sometimes continues late into the night, disrupting sleep schedules and negatively impacting quality of life. The National Guard mentioned that pilots sometimes fly as late as 10:30 p.m. as part of larger training exercises designed to prepare pilots to use night-vision goggles. What can be done to minimize disruption to residents while also ensuring that pilots have access to night training? Remedy: While we appreciate the need for pilots to develop expertise in using night-vision goggles, flight times of 10:30 p.m. have a tendency to disrupt the sleep of residents. A potential mitigating measure may be to have pilots conduct night-vision training earlier in the evening at times when it is still dark, but not quite sleeping time for many people (e.g. 9 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. during winter), so as not to disrupt the sleep of residents. Question: Residents noted that it appears that helicopters are flying at lower altitudes than they have in prior years. What solutions should be explored to reduce the prevalence of low-flying helicopters? Remedy: Agencies should consider instructing their pilots to refrain from flying at low altitudes unless assisting with criminal investigations or medical evacuations. Question: How much louder are two-blade helicopters than other helicopters? How many of the helicopters flying over the District are two-blade helicopters? Remedy: The Congresswoman's staff will request additional information on the make of the helicopters flying over the District. This information request may be submitted as part of a proposal for a GAO study on helicopter noise in the District. Question: Have any of the agencies present conducted studies on helicopter noise? Remedy: Robert Owens, the panelist representing the FAA, noted that the FAA conducted a study last year using information gathered from radar replays and counts of helicopter traffic. However, this study did not measure altitude. Col. Grundahl also noted that the Army conducted a compatible use study that is available through a standard FOIA request. The Congresswoman's staff will review these studies and learn what gaps in information remain that should be addressed in future studies. Question: Why are fixed wing aircraft more tightly regulated than rotor wing aircraft? Perhaps additional regulation of rotor wing aircraft could help address the issue of helicopter noise within the District by leading to greater coordination among agencies on best practices, flight hours and altitudes. Remedy: The Congresswoman's staff will conduct research into the reasons for the tighter regulation of fixed wing aircraft compared to rotor wing aircraft and explore potential regulatory reforms that may help decrease helicopter noise in residential areas. Question: The D.C. Council recently passed a measure that would allow the GW Hospital helipad project to move forward. What steps can be taken to minimize the impact of GW Hospital helipad operations on the overall noise level of the surrounding area? Remedy: The Congresswoman's staff will learn more about the extent to which the Council examined the effectiveness of soundproofing for noise reduction. During the meeting, residents mentioned that hospitals in other areas paid to soundproof homes that were affected by hospital helicopter operations. The Congresswoman's staff will conduct additional research on the prevalence of soundproofing in areas with helicopter noise and how many of these soundproofing efforts were financed by hospital systems operating helicopters in the surrounding areas. Question: What neighborhoods are most affected by helicopter noise? Remedy: The Congresswoman's office will request additional information regarding the neighborhoods that are most affected by helicopter noise. This information request may be submitted as part of a proposal for a GAO study on helicopter noise in the District. Question: How many flights occur per month, on average, at the South Capitol Street Helipad, considering that commercial flight in the District was greatly limited after 9/11 and completely prohibited in 2005? Remedy: The owner of the South Capitol Street Helipad attended the community meeting and committed to collecting information on helicopter activity at the helipad and making this information publicly available. The Congresswoman's staff will remain in contact with the South Capitol Street Helipad to obtain information about flight frequency. Question: What degree of coordination currently exists among the various agencies operating helicopters in the District? Remedy: The Congresswoman's staff will follow up with the agencies to learn more about the degree of coordination that currently exists among the various agencies operating helicopters in the District. This information request may be submitted as part of a proposal for a GAO study on helicopter noise in the District. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-requests-joint-hearing-to-examine-proposal-to-relocate-two-usda,"Norton Requests Joint Hearing to Examine Proposal to Relocate Two USDA Agencies Out of D.C., Calls for Appropriators to Block Potentially Illegal Move",2018-09-10,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today called for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Agriculture Committee to hold a joint hearing to examine the legality of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposal to dismantle existing USDA agencies by moving the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture from the nation's capital by the end of 2019, as well as to move ERS into the Office of the Secretary, a political branch. Norton asked the committees to investigate whether USDA has the legal authority to relocate the agencies without congressional approval and the potentially harmful effects the moves could have on food research, particularly by leaving the impression of politicizing the scientific findings of the ERS, which sometimes run contrary to positions of an administration. Norton also called on appropriators to include a provision in the upcoming spending bill to prohibit USDA from carrying out the move. This bewildering action by the Trump administration would threaten existing USDA agencies whose independence is related to their science and research mandate, which has ensured they need not agree with the specific policies of any particular administration, Norton said. Particularly troubling would be placing the Economic Research Service, whose economic research must be objective, into a political office, the Office of the Secretary. No administration should be allowed to silence independent, nonpolitical agencies because their research may at times differ from its policies. Because the proposal to relocate USDA agencies out of D.C. appears to be unlawful and done without congressional consultation, an immediate hearing by the committees of jurisdiction is in order. Relocating these agencies is contrary to longstanding federal policy for consolidation, which saves funds and streamlines agencies in order to provide the most efficient services to the American people. Before USDA's relocation proceeds, Congress must step in and stop this harmful action. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-says-republican-requested-gao-report-shows-dctag-is-delivering,Norton Says Republican-Requested GAO Report Shows DCTAG is Delivering Success for D.C. Students and Should Be Continued,2018-09-06,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said that a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on the District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG), released today, shows the program has been successful in providing D.C. students access to higher education. Norton said the GAO study points up the essential need for the program's continuation in preparing young people for jobs in the D.C. regional economy. The study was mandated by a Republican provision included in the fiscal year 2017 D.C. Appropriations bill. The GAO's conclusion states, Steady enrollment in DCTAG provides an encouraging signal that the program may be meeting the purpose set forth in federal law to expand access to higher education opportunities for D.C. students. The study also highlighted that rates for [DCTAG] recipients compare favorably to rates for national and regional groups of students with characteristics similar to those of DCTAG recipients. Our analysis confirmed that in academic year 2015, about 72 percent of DCTAG recipients were African-American and the DCTAG graduation rate was about 10 percentage points higher than for African-Americans nationwide. DCTAG has long enjoyed strong bipartisan support because of the program's success in helping students from every income group in the District to attend and graduate from college, Norton said. Especially noteworthy is the GAO finding that DCTAG students perform considerably better than similarly situated students nationwide. This GAO study confirms that success and vindicates Congress for providing $40 million in funding for DCTAG for each of the last three fiscal years and shows its understanding of the importance of funding DCTAG for the thousands of D.C. students who rely on the program. I look forward to working with D.C. officials on ensuring the recommendations made in the report are implemented to continue DCTAG's success. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-asks-mwaa-to-correct-lack-of-signage-at-national-airport-to,Norton Asks MWAA to Correct Lack of Signage at National Airport to Eliminate Confusion for Passengers and Drivers During Ongoing Construction,2018-09-04,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Aviation Subcommittee, today released Norton's letter to Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and CEO John Potter regarding the absence of signage and direction at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to inform people where to pick up arriving passengers and to inform passengers where to meet arriving private vehicles during construction at the airport. In her letter, Norton wrote, Like many Members of Congress, I recently was picked up at Reagan by a staff member. The signage for taxis was clearly posted. However, it was almost impossible for drivers of regular cars to determine where to go. Some private cars, which may have been Uber or Lyft, seem to have decided simply to line up beside the taxis (awkward and dangerous), but private cars found no directions about picking up passengersConsequently, only a small area clearly designated for taxis was available for all arriving passengers, even those not waiting for cabs. Moreover, it was also difficult for passengers to know where to depart from the inside of the airport to exit to meet their cars. Additional signage inside where passengers depart is also necessary to keep them from meeting with a phalanx of cones that block off virtually all automobilesI appreciate that construction is necessary. Like most residents, I have no issue with that necessary inconvenience. At the same time, the airport has a reciprocal obligation to provide appropriate signage and directions to minimize inconvenience. Norton's full letter is below. John E. Potter President and Chief Executive Officer Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority 1 Aviation Circle Washington, DC 20001 Dear Mr. Potter: I write to bring to your attention the considerable difficulty I experienced and I am sure many others as well because of the absence of signage and direction at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to inform traffic where to pick up arriving passengers and to inform passengers where to meet their arriving private vehicles during construction at the airport. As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and its Aviation subcommittee, I was surprised to see that only confusing and clumsy steps had been taken to direct traffic for arriving residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, as well as visitors being picked up by relatives or other private cars. Like many Members of Congress, I recently was picked up at Reagan by a staff member. The signage for taxis was clearly posted. However, it was almost impossible for drivers of regular cars to determine where to go. Some private cars, which may have been Uber or Lyft, seem to have decided simply to line up beside the taxis (awkward and dangerous), but private cars found no directions about picking up passengers, particularly at doors 7 through 10, where I waited. Adding to the confusion, most of the airport sidewalk designated for arriving passengers is impassable from the curb for passengers waiting for cars because of additional strip barriers to prevent people from going into the streets, whether for waiting cars or to cross the street. Consequently, only a small area clearly designated for taxis was available for all arriving passengers, even those not waiting for cabs. Further, there were no directions informing cars picking up passengers how to reach them, and as a result, my staffer was pulled over and ticketed, through no fault of his own, because there was no signage to follow to get to arriving passengers, and he accidentally went into the area designated for commercial cars. Moreover, it was also difficult for passengers to know where to depart from the inside of the airport to exit to meet their cars. Additional signage inside where passengers depart is also necessary to keep them from meeting with a phalanx of cones that block off virtually all automobiles. I have no doubt that many other residents have made similar errors, also through no fault of their own, and likely were ticketed. I am particularly concerned that many of the passengers being picked up by relatives and friends may be visitors to the nation's capital, a tourist mecca, which could lead to a negative view of our area and therefore deprive the District of Columbia and the region of some revenue. I appreciate that construction is necessary. Like most residents, I have no issue with that necessary inconvenience. At the same time, the airport has a reciprocal obligation to provide appropriate signage and directions to minimize inconvenience. Please provide me with the steps the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority intends to take to resolve the confusion for arriving passengers and cars, who currently encounter a long line of cones and lack of direction as to how to find their cars as they try to exit the airport. I ask that you look into this issue and respond concerning progress, in writing, within 30 days. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton Member of Congress CC: Warner H. Session, Chairman of the Board ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-cbc,"Norton, CBC Oppose SCOTUS Nominee Brett Kavanaugh",2018-09-04,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, in a letter to Senate leaders, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) formally expressed its opposition to the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. The CBC believes Judge Kavanaugh's views on voter suppression, police brutality, and unreasonable searches and seizures would be a threat to African Americans' years-long struggle for equality and justice. In addition, the CBC believes that Judge Kavanaugh's view that sitting presidents should be able to avoid criminal prosecution could threaten the Special Counsel's ability to hold President Trump accountable should he be charged with a crime. As a result of these and other views, the CBC is urging the Senate to reject Judge Kavanaugh's nomination. Plain and simple, courts matter, especially the Supreme Court the highest court in the land. But for the Supreme Court, African Americans wouldn't be able to attend integrated schools, buy a home previously owned by a white person, or sleep at certain hotels. This is what is at stake for our community every time a president gets to nominate a Supreme Court justice, said CBC Chairman Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA-02). Based on the CBC's review ofJudgeKavanaugh'srecord, his jurisprudence would likely make the Supreme Court more conservative than it already is, and threaten policies and protections that allow African Americans and other marginalized communities to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In considering Judge Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court, we are asking the Senate to focus particularly on the views of the Members of the Congressional Black Caucus for a reason,said Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chair of the CBC Judicial Nominations Task Force. Throughout our country's history, African Americans havebeen more dependent on the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of their rights than any other Americans. We have carefullyreviewed JudgeKavanaugh'srecord and, as our letter documents, have good reason to believe his views as a justice would imperil the rights that African Americanshave fought for and still must fight to achieve. The full text of the letter is attached, online, and below: Dear Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Chairman Grassley, and Ranking Member Feinstein, The members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) express our strong opposition to the nomination of D.C. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. Based on a thorough review of his record, we have concluded that the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh to the highest bench would endanger historically significant legal precedents of importance to African Americans and, more broadly, the balance of inclusive justice itself. As Members of the CBC, we cannot overstate what is at stake for African Americans and communities of color, who have spent more than a century fighting to achieve equal protection in our country and who continue this effort, particularly through the federal courts and the United States Supreme Court. Judge Kavanagh's record as a federal judge gives every indication that he lacks respect for well-established precedents and would engage in aggressive judicial activism that could mean the reversal of important decisions that have afforded African Americans a measure of equal citizenship in a nation that has often stood in the way of its pursuit. Repeatedly, Judge Kavanaugh has demonstrated a lack of respect for the judicial precedents that have ensured equal protection under the law for decades. Specifically, he has shown inadequate commitment to legal precedents that protect communities of color, women and, more recently, LGBTQ Americans. Instead, he has embraced jurisprudence so out of the mainstream of legal thought that even his conservative Republican-appointed judicial colleagues often have not agreed with him. Although serving on a court with a majority appointed by Republican presidents, Judge Kavanaugh averages a higher number of dissents annually than any other member of the D.C. Circuit Court. Case law precedents and the laws they represent are the contours of our legal system, ensuring that cherished rights are protected. A judge who so frequently questions key legal precedents endangers the legal framework that has benefitted African Americans. Our substantive concerns, along with the ongoing investigations under Special Counsel Robert Mueller implicating the president, coupled with this nominee's ability to influence the outcome of an appeal, leave us no choice but to strongly urge rejection of Judge Kavanaugh's nomination. We are particularly concerned about Judge Kavanaugh's likely impact on voting rights for communities that have historically been targeted for exclusion from the electorate. In South Carolina v. United States, Judge Kavanaugh condoned barriers to voter participation enacted by states. Under the then-enforced Voting Rights Act, the Obama administration blocked enforcement of South Carolina's state-issued photo identification voting law in 2011, primarily because it affected up to eight percent of black South Carolinians, while impacting only up to four to five percent of whites. In his opinion ruling for the state, Judge Kavanaugh claimed the results of the South Carolina law do not have the effects that some expected and some feared. This statement totally ignored the disparate impact of the photo ID law on African Americans and the real people who were hurt by the South Carolina law. For example, 92-year-old South Carolina native Larrie Butler, one of the many law-abiding, civically-engaged citizens involved, was stripped of his opportunity to vote because of difficulties imposed by the South Carolina voter ID law. Unable to obtain a birth certificate, Mr. Butler had to go through extraordinary steps to get the proper identification required for him to vote, but still failed to qualify. In light of the disproportionate numbers of African Americans who have been disenfranchised, it is unsettling that a nominee to the highest court expressed skepticism about the law's clear racial impact in a state with a long history of disenfranchisement of African Americans. Judge Kavanaugh's record on matters related to criminal justice is of special concern to the CBC. He has spoken and written repeatedly for overturning precedent that protects civilians from overzealous law enforcement officers. Such a change would deeply reshape criminal law at a time when African Americans are already subject to disproportionate police surveillance and shootings. In a speech he delivered less than a year ago, Judge Kavanaugh suggested that it was appropriate to make the probable cause standard more flexible. He also appeared to support decisions making it easier for police to conduct searches without a warrant or individualized suspicion and challenged the exclusionary rule that prohibits courts from accepting evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure. Judge Kavanaugh has even supported narrowing the rights enumerated in Miranda v. Arizonathe landmark case, long accepted by law enforcement, which ensures that individuals are aware of their constitutionally protected rights before making incriminatory statements while in custody. Together, these opinions show a callous disregard for long-established rights for the accused who, under our system of justice, are innocent until proven guilty, a basic tenet of our criminal justice system. Judge Kavanaugh's advocacy for regressive changes to a criminal justice system that already falls short in many ways should trouble all Americans who support fair and equal treatment by law enforcement. Judge Kavanaugh has also demonstrated hostility to a woman's fundamental right to make decisions regarding her own body, a right firmly established in our constitutional law over 45 years ago and since upheld several times by the Supreme Court. An adverse position would be particularly harmful to Black women who would be disproportionately affected because of systemic barriers to preventative care and affordable healthcare and the resultant use of abortion. In 2017, Judge Kavanaugh tried to block a lower court's ruling requiring the government to allow an undocumented woman entering the United States to have an abortion. According to a conservative Texas court, the woman had gone through all of the cumbersome legal steps required in Texas to obtain an abortion. Fortunately, the full D.C. Circuit overturned Judge Kavanaugh's decisionyet another example of a Republican-led court refusing to accept thinking outside of the conservative mainstream. Although Judge Kavanaugh proclaimed acceptance of the precedential value of Roe v. Wade during his 2006 confirmation hearing, his opinion in the 2017 case is another reason to doubt his purported commitment to binding precedent. The determination he showed to deter abortion in this case casts doubt on his willingness to uphold decades of established law protecting a woman's fundamental reproductive rights. Judge Kavanaugh also has been hostile to affordable health care, a major concern for African Americans. In a uniquely troubling dissent in a case that ultimately upheld the Affordable Care Act, Judge Kavanaugh wrote, Under the Constitution, the president may decline to enforce a statute that regulates private individuals when the president deems the statute unconstitutional, even if a court has held or would hold the statute constitutional. This unheard of view goes much further than an attempt to overturn existing precedent. It is dangerous to the rule of law itself. As numerous constitutional scholars have written, in our republic, the president cannot pick and choose which laws Congress passes to enforce, claiming constitutional breach, after a court has already deemed the law constitutional. Under our constitutional system, [i]t is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is, as Justice John Marshall famously said in Marbury v. Madison, and, under Article II of the Constitution, the president must take care that the laws be faithfully executed. Judge Kavanaugh's view that the president may deem a law unconstitutional and refuse to enforce it, even after the Supreme Court has upheld it, represents an extreme view of the authority of the executive relative to the other branches. This notion of executive power is a departure from constitutional jurisprudence that must be repudiated in a republic governed by a written constitution. We would be particularly concerned if decisions of the Supreme Court could be ignored by the executive, considering that minorities in our country must disproportionately rely on the Court to ensure equal protection. Finally, the ongoing Special Counsel investigation into the Trump administration's role in reported collusion with foreign governments makes the timing of Judge Kavanaugh's nomination unfortunate and adds to our objection to his nomination. Despite playing a pivotal role in the investigation of President Clinton in the 1990's, Judge Kavanaugh has since softened his stance on the legitimacy of such investigations of sitting presidents. His views favoring expansive executive power are deeply embedded. In a 2017 speech, Judge Kavanaugh said, To be sure, I do not agree with all of [former Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist's] opinions Morrison v. Olson in 1988 comes quickly to mind as the Rehnquist opinion I still have some trouble with Morrison, of course, is the case that upheld the constitutionality of the Independent Counsel. Furthermore, in reference to sitting presidents facing criminal prosecution while in office, in a 2009 Minnesota Law Review article Judge Kavanagh wrote, that the President should be excused from some of the burdens of ordinary citizenship while serving in office. This would mean, of course, that there would be no deterrent to a lawless president while in office, except the nuclear-sized, rarely used weapon of impeachment. There is little reason to believe that Judge Kavanaugh would uphold the constitutionality of Special Counsel Robert Muller's bipartisan work, given his related views. With the possibility that an appeal related to the investigation's outcome could be considered by the Supreme Court in the future, we are justifiably worried about this nomination. As the first African For nearly eight decades, African Americans have arduously fought to secure many historic legal victories. Change often has been incremental, but Judge Kavanaugh's nomination threatens even these gains. American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall once said, ""I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memoriesWe must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better."" Sincerely, Congressman Cedric L. Richmond Chair, CBC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Chair, CBC Judicial Nominations Task Force ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-set-to-fight-trump-s-cancellation-of-modest-pay-increase-for,Norton Set to Fight Trumps Cancellation of Modest Pay Increase for Nations Federal Civil Servants,2018-08-31,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a senior member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal employees, today released the following statement after President Trump canceled a 2.1 percent pay raise for civilian federal employees scheduled to take effect January 2019. President Trump's disdain for the hardworking men and women in our federal workforce apparently knows no bounds as he now tries to nix a modest pay increase for our nation's civil servants. It is particularly shameful for the President to cite deficit reduction as a reason after taking credit for the $1.5 trillion giveaway to corporations and the wealthiest one percent. Federal employees, unlike private employees, cannot collectively bargain for wages and must depend on the fairness of Congress. This Administration has already illegally sought to unilaterally bar federal workers from collectively bargaining for their conditions of work, a usurpation that a federal court quickly blocked. I am a cosponsor of a bill for the first significant federal employee pay raise in years. However, with Republicans in control of both the House and Senate, it is up to Congress, which has the power of the purse, to authorize at lease this small pay increase in the spending bill that is on the table. On behalf of the thousands of federal workers who live in the District of Columbia and the millions more across the nation, I will not accept anything less than this pay increase, which still has a chance in the final appropriations bill to fund the federal government. We can accept no less for our already beleaguered federal workforce, or we will not be able to recruit the best and the brightest our nation deserves. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-introduce-bill-affording-new-way-for-dc-to-secure-private,Norton to Introduce Bill Affording New Way for D.C. to Secure Private Funding for Public Infrastructure Projects,2018-08-29,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that she will introduce a bill that clarifies the District of Columbia's authority to enter into public-private partnerships (P3s). The District recently began the procurement process for its first-ever P3s: rehabilitating the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters (Daily Building) and modernizing streetlights. The bill makes it clear that the federal Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA), which uniquely applies to D.C., does not prohibit the District from entering into P3s. The bill provides legal certainty that D.C. may enter into multi-year contracts to design, construct, improve, maintain, operate, manage and/or finance projects procured pursuant to a local D.C. law, the Public-Private Partnership Act of 2014. Federal law potentially limits the authority of only one jurisdiction, the District of Columbia, to enter into public-private partnerships, Norton said. The federal government, many states and other countries have used P3s. There is no reason that the District should not be able to take advantage of this option. Among other benefits, P3s will free up District funds that would otherwise be spent on infrastructure for other pressing needs, such as education and health care. The federal ADA prohibits the federal and D.C. governments from obligating or expending funds in advance or in excess of an appropriation. A critical benefit bestowed by P3s is that the District would not have to appropriate all the funds upfront, freeing up funds for the District to spend on other matters. An ADA violation may occur if the District terminates a P3 contract. Under P3 contracts, the District would make payments on an annual basis over the life of a contract, and the District would appropriate the funds for such payments annually. However, upon termination, the District would have to pay all costs incurred up to that point, but would not yet have appropriated all the funds for such payments, potentially causing an ADA violation. Under D.C. law, a public-private partnership' means the method in the District for delivering a qualified project using a long-term, performance-based agreement between a public entity and a private entity or entities where appropriate risks and benefits can be allocated in a cost-effective manner between the public and private entities in which: (A) A private entity performs functions normally undertaken by the government, but the public entity remains ultimately accountable for the qualified project and its public function; and (B) The District may retain ownership or control in the project asset and the private entity may be given additional decision-making rights in determining how the asset is financed, developed, constructed, operated, and maintained over its life cycle. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-says-federal-court-decision-striking-down-executive-orders,Norton Says Federal Court Decision Striking Down Executive Orders Targeting Federal Workers Shows Importance of Courts in Keeping Trump from Overreaching,2018-08-27,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a senior Member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, whose constituents include many federal employees, today issued the following statement after a federal judge blocked three Trump executive orders that sought to diminish the labor rights of federal workers. The orders violated sections of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Act, which established collective bargaining rights for federal employees, by, among other things, severely limiting the use of official time by union volunteers to represent fellow employees who may be subject to retaliation or other workplace violations. Federal workers have long been a favorite punching bag for Republicans and they made a special effort in our Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the House of Representatives to do what the Trump executive orders attempted. Seeing the difficulty of gutting federal employees' collective bargaining rights in the House and the Senate, Republicans apparently turned to the Administration to use executive orders instead. Had the Administration succeeded, it would have been able to place arbitrary time limits on federal employees' use of official time to advocate on behalf of their colleagues. The orders would have severely weakened due process and made it easier for political appointees and supervisors to engage in unlawful practices, including retaliation against employees for blowing the whistle on abuse and fraud. My federal employee constituents and millions of others like them continue to dedicate their lives to providing critical services to their fellow Americans. We have been able to stop many Republican attacks on federal workers, and now a federal judge has ruled that Trump's executive orders cannot circumvent the right to bargain guaranteed by the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Act. If the administration wants to reduce the amount of time an employee can use to represent another employee, it will have to bargain, as the law requires. The ruling only strengthens our resolve to continue the fight to ensure that essential labor and civil service rights of federal workers are protected. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-statement-on-the-passing-of-senator-john-mccain,Norton Statement on the Passing of Senator John McCain,2018-08-26,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ). John McCain's courageous struggle against cancer exemplified a lifetime spent as a fighter. Senator McCain was well known for a set of core conservative beliefs that were at odds with those of many of us in Congress, yet at the same time he was unafraid to rise above partisanship. His decisive vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act will always be remembered as a seminal demonstration of courage in the face of public pressure too seldom seen in our times. The District of Columbia still struggles for representation in the Senate, but appreciated Senator McCain's service there, where our city particularly benefits from bipartisanship. We in the District of Columbia send our sincere condolences to Cindy and the entire McCain family. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/on-chuck-brown-s-birthday-today-norton-announces-chuck-brown-day-0,"On Chuck Browns Birthday Today, Norton Announces Chuck Brown Day Resolution",2018-08-22,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.On Chuck Brown's birthday, the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that Norton will introduce a resolution designating his birthday, August 22, as Chuck Brown Day in the District of Columbia and across the nation in honor of his contributions as the Godfather of Go-Go. Chuck Brown will always be a local D.C. legend who gave our city a hometown sound and made us the capital of Go-Go, Norton said. Chuck Brown loved D.C., and D.C. loved him back. We will always cherish the free concert he played in front of the Capitol for statehood and voting rights for D.C. residents. His contributions to D.C. and the nation should be celebrated with a day in his honor. The full text of the resolution follows. RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of August 22, 2018, as national Chuck Brown Day and honoring his contributions to music and to the District of Columbia. Whereas Chuck Brown is known as the Godfather of Go-Go because he was the major architect of the musical genre known as go-go, a unique mix of funk, soul, and Latin party sounds; Whereas Chuck Brown, who was born on August 22, 1936, and passed away at the age of 75 on May 16, 2012, was a resident of the District of Columbia most of his life; Whereas Chuck Brown, who taught himself to play guitar, became a virtuoso singer, songwriter, guitarist, and band leader; Whereas Chuck Brown's go-go beat gave the District of Columbia a musical identity of its own and reminds the Nation that Washington, DC, has always been the hometown of talented artists such as Duke Ellington and Marvin Gaye; Whereas Chuck Brown's musical catalogue spans 22 studio albums over 3 decades; Whereas Chuck Brown's hit Bustin' Loose, with his group, the Soul Searchers, was the top song on the Billboard Top 100 R&B Chart for 4 weeks in 1979; Whereas Chuck Brown earned a Grammy nomination in 2010 for the song Love, from his album entitled We Got This, and was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship in 2005; Whereas Chuck Brown's go-go has been passed from generation to generation with undiminished popularity; Whereas Chuck Brown influenced jazz, rap, and go-go musicians, such as the bands Trouble Funk, Rare Essence, and Experience Unlimited (also known as E.U.); Whereas Chuck Brown was so committed to securing statehood and equal voting rights for the residents of the District of Columbia that he played a concert on a very hot, humid day on the United States Capitol grounds in 2010; Whereas the District of Columbia has named a street located near the historic, modernized Howard Theatre for Chuck Brown; Whereas the District of Columbia has named a park located at 2901 20th Street, NE, for Chuck Brown; Whereas Chuck Brown is admired for having risen from humble beginnings and overcoming time in prison to become a devoted father and family man; Whereas Chuck Brown was a great, multitalented musician who brought joy through his music, never stopping until his death; and Whereas August 22, 2018, is Chuck Brown's birthday: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the designation of Chuck Brown Day; and honors Chuck Brown's contributions to music and to the District of Columbia. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-mourns-the-passing-of-lori-yarrish-director-of-smithsonian,"Norton Mourns the Passing of Lori Yarrish, Director of Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum",2018-08-20,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today issued the following statement on the passing of Lori Yarrish, Director of the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, who was Norton's cousin. Norton will place a statement in the Congressional Record in commemoration of Ms. Yarrish's leadership of the Anacostia Community Museum. With the passing of Lori Yarrish, the District of Columbia and the Smithsonian have lost our indefatigable Director of the Anacostia Community Museum. I was heartbroken to learn of Lori's passing not only because of her outstanding work, but also because she was full of life and promise for even greater leadership, and, more personally, she was also my cousin. I was out of town when she passed and deeply regret that I had to miss her funeral. Lori became the Director of the Anacostia Community Museum in December 2017, after serving as its Acting Director since June 2016. It seems like yesterday that I was privileged to speak at the 50th Anniversary of the Anacostia Community Museum, which Lori organized. Lori devoted her life to the arts, including serving on the board of directors of the New School of Dance and Arts. She also served on the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative's coordinating committee and had previously served as the Deputy Director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service since 1991. Lori Yarrish had worked her way up the ladder of the arts and had so much more to give to the arts, the Smithsonian, the Anacostia Community Museum and the District of Columbia. As we mourn Lori's passing, I ask residents to remember her lasting contributions to the District. My thoughts are with Lori's immediate family, including her daughter Laila and her mother Myra. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-will-seek-the-usual-upfront-payment-for-dc-if-trump-s-military,Norton Will Seek the Usual Upfront Payment for D.C. if Trumps Military Parade Proceeds,2018-08-17,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said that if President Trump intends to proceed with a military parade in the District of Columbia after he delayed it for at least this year, she would seek a specific appropriation to offset the cost to the District, as she usually does. Each year, Norton secures a federal payment to the District to cover emergency planning and security costs of large-scale events and demonstrations, among them, the presidential inauguration. Norton secured $13 million for D.C. in fiscal year 2018. She gets the federal payment at the beginning of the fiscal year so D.C. does not have to put up its own local funds first and then wait for a reimbursement after the fact. President's Trump's unnecessary effort to use our troops to boost his ego would be a monumental waste of taxpayer dollars and shut down the nation's capital, Norton said. Along with D.C. officials, and I would dare say the majority of the American people, I am pleased that the President has backed down for the time being on hosting such a parade. Instead of attacking D.C. officials, he should have cited the cost, as estimated by the Pentagon. D.C. followed the usual process of estimating the cost to it of hosting such event in advance. The President did not face the cost of the Republican tax cuts, which have yet to show up for the majority of the American people. but he could not avoid the cost of the military parade, as cited by the Pentagon. I do not believe the President will proceed with the parade, but if he does, for sure I will seek an advance federal payment to the District, as I do every year, to ensure our local jurisdiction is not left holding the bag for a purely federal event. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-introduce-bill-to-give-dc-complete-authority-to-set-the-date,Norton to Introduce Bill to Give D.C. Complete Authority to Set the Date of Special Elections for Local Offices,2018-08-13,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today that she will introduce a bill to give the District of Columbia complete authority to set the date of special elections for local offices. In 2012, Norton got a bill enacted into law (P.L. 112-15) that gave the District more authority to set the date of special elections, but the Republican-led House rejected giving D.C. full and complete authority over this matter. The bill would give D.C. the authority to set the date of special elections for local offices as it sees fit. Norton's 2012 law gave the D.C. Board of Elections (Board) more flexibility to set the date of special elections for local offices to maximize voter participation, though House Republicans refused to give D.C. complete authority over the scheduling of special elections. Republicans never made clear why they refused to give D.C. complete authority over a matter that is unrelated to any other district and has no relevance to Congress. The Home Rule Act originally required the Board to hold special elections on the first Tuesday 114 days from when the vacancy occurred and allowed the Board to schedule special elections on the same day as the next general election if that election occurred 60 days from when a special election would otherwise have been held. This inflexibility sometimes led to special elections being held on religious holidays or forced the District to hold a special election separate from an upcoming general election, costing the District hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra election costs. The 2012 law required the Board to hold a special election on the Tuesday occurring between 70 and 174 days after the vacancy. Last week, Norton announced she will introduce a bill to give the District complete authority to set the pay of the Chief Financial Officer. Norton has introduced the following bills to expand home rule so far this Congress. The District of Columbia Paperwork Reduction Act (H.R. 1479) would eliminate the congressional review period for D.C. bills. The District of Columbia Local Prosecutor Establishment Act of 2017 (H.R. 1523) would allow the District to prosecute all crimes committed under its local laws. Currently, the U.S. Attorney for the District prosecutes almost all crimes committed by adults under local D.C. laws. The District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act (H.R. 1658) would give the D.C. mayor the authority to deploy the D.C. National Guard for local matters. Unlike governors of the states, and even territories, the District's chief executive officer has no authority over its local Guard. The District of Columbia Home Rule Clemency Act (H.R. 1765) would give the District exclusive authority, like the states and territories, to grant clemency to offenders convicted under its local laws. Currently, this authority is exercised in D.C. by the President. The District of Columbia Civil Enforcement Equality Act (H.R. 4678) would allow the District to enter into contracts with private attorneys to sue on the District's behalf for violations of D.C. law that may otherwise go unpunished due to a lack of resources. States, cities and most federal agencies have the authority to enter into such contracts to sue for violations of their laws. The District of Columbia Home Rule Non-Discrimination Act of 2018 (H.R. 5265) would eliminate the applicability of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to the District. The District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act (H.R. 6129) would repeal the President's authority to assume emergency control of the local D.C. police department. The District of Columbia Home Rule Bridges Act (H.R. 6153) would repeal a law that makes it a crime for a person in D.C. to obstruct any bridge connecting D.C. and Virginia. The District of Columbia Courts Home Rule Act (H.R. 6187) would give D.C. authority over the jurisdiction and organization of the local D.C. courts. The District of Columbia Zoning Commission Home Rule Act (H.R. 6215) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the D.C. Zoning Commission. The District of Columbia Board of Zoning Adjustment Home Rule Act (H.R. 6289) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the Board, except when the Board is performing functions regarding an application by a foreign mission with respect to a chancery. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-encourages-residents-to-attend-teach-in-and-interfaith-vigil-as,Norton Encourages Residents to Attend Teach-In and Interfaith Vigil as the Most Effective Community Response to Hate Speech,2018-08-09,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Following a discussion with Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Peter Newsham on the District of Columbia's preparations for the upcoming Unite the Right march this weekend, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today urged District of Columbia residents to attend a teach-in she is co-hosting with Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD). Norton today will attend a roundtable discussion with Mayor Bowser, Chief Newsham, District officials and faith leaders for a briefing on the District's preparedness plan for the upcoming First Amendment events. The teach-in will focus on the effects of extremist groups in American communities and effective ways to respond to spread of hate, followed by an interfaith vigil, Friday, August 10, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.), at Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St. NW, Washington, DC 20016). Reverend William J. Barber, II, president of Repairers of the Breach, will deliver the keynote address. The teach-in will feature a panel discussion, entitled Developing Effective Responses to Eliminate Hate, featuring Dr. Wes Bellamy, Vice Mayor, Charlottesville, VA; Dr. Randy Blazak, Oregon Coalition Against Hate Crime; Lecia Brooks, Outreach Director, Southern Poverty Law Center; Monica Hopkins, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, D.C.; and Tony McAleer, Board Chair, Life After Hate. Our teach-in and vigil will give residents the opportunity to speak out not only about hate speech aimed at virtually every minority group, but also learn about constructive and productive ways to respond to hate, Norton said. I have no doubt that the District will keep demonstrators and counter protestors safe this weekend. But instead of trying to drown out the speech of the demonstrators, we invite residents to come to our event to speak out about their views and offer suggestions for how to respond to bigoted groups. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-introduce-bill-to-give-dc-complete-authority-to-set-cfo-pay,Norton to Introduce Bill to Give D.C. Complete Authority to Set CFO Pay,2018-08-08,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today that she will introduce a bill to give the District of Columbia complete authority to set the pay of the Chief Financial Officer. In 2013, Norton got a bill enacted into law (P.L. 113-71) that gave the District more authority to set the CFO's pay, but a Republican-led House rejected giving D.C. full and complete authority over this matter. There is no reason D.C. should not have the authority to set the pay of a local official who is paid with local funds, Norton said. We remain grateful to then-House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, who was an expert in D.C. affairs, for supporting my bill on the CFO's pay that we got enacted into law, but we were disappointed that we could not get support of a Republican-led House to give D.C. complete autonomy over this matter. Norton's bill would give D.C. the authority to set the CFO's pay as it sees fit. Norton's 2013 law amended the Home Rule Act to change the CFO's pay from a fixed rate of pay that was tied to a federal pay schedule to a maximum allowable pay, or ceiling, tied to a federal pay schedule. The ceiling was and is substantially higher than the fixed rate, but the CFO's pay is now $1,000 below the maximum. House Republicans refused to allow D.C. complete authority to set the CFO's pay, primarily because they were cutting federal spending and did not want to bring a bill to the floor that authorized an unlimited pay increase for a government employee. Republicans were concerned that the public would not understand the difference between a federal official and a local official and federal and local funds, although the CFO is a local official and paid from local funds. Norton introduced the 2013 bill after a D.C. CFO search committee indicated that the fixed rate of pay was not high enough to attract the best talent for this complex and demanding job. The responsibilities of the CFO, which was created by Congress, are unique in the United States. The CFO is extraordinarily powerful and independent. The District cannot obligate or expend funds without the CFO's approval, and the CFO can be terminated only for cause. The District needs the authority to be able to pay the rate demanded by the market, necessary to retain and attract the best CFOs, especially since the District needs to compete with the private sector for highly qualified CFOs. Norton has introduced the following bills to expand home rule so far this Congress. The District of Columbia Paperwork Reduction Act (H.R. 1479) would eliminate the congressional review period for D.C. bills. The District of Columbia Local Prosecutor Establishment Act of 2017 (H.R. 1523) would allow the District to prosecute all crimes committed under its local laws. Currently, the U.S. Attorney for the District prosecutes almost all crimes committed by adults under local D.C. laws. The District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act (H.R. 1658) would give the D.C. mayor the authority to deploy the D.C. National Guard for local matters. Unlike governors of the states, and even territories, the District's chief executive officer has no authority over its local Guard. The District of Columbia Home Rule Clemency Act (H.R. 1765) would give the District exclusive authority, like the states and territories, to grant clemency to offenders convicted under its local laws. Currently, this authority is exercised in D.C. by the President. The District of Columbia Civil Enforcement Equality Act (H.R. 4678) would allow the District to enter into contracts with private attorneys to sue on the District's behalf for violations of D.C. law that may otherwise go unpunished due to a lack of resources. States, cities and most federal agencies have the authority to enter into such contracts to sue for violations of their laws. The District of Columbia Home Rule Non-Discrimination Act of 2018 (H.R. 5265) would eliminate the applicability of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to the District. The District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act (H.R. 6129) would repeal the President's authority to assume emergency control of the local D.C. police department. The District of Columbia Home Rule Bridges Act (H.R. 6153) would repeal a law that makes it a crime for a person in D.C. to obstruct any bridge connecting D.C. and Virginia. The District of Columbia Courts Home Rule Act (H.R. 6187) would give D.C. authority over the jurisdiction and organization of the local D.C. courts. The District of Columbia Zoning Commission Home Rule Act (H.R. 6215) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the D.C. Zoning Commission. The District of Columbia Board of Zoning Adjustment Home Rule Act (H.R. 6289) would give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the Board, except when the Board is performing functions regarding an application by a foreign mission with respect to a chancery. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-calls-for-congressional-hearing-on-federal-government-s,Norton Calls for Congressional Hearing on Federal Governments Unprecedented Shutdown Plan for Metro,2018-08-07,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ranking Member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, today released her letter calling for a congressional hearing on the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) plan to shut down the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail system in the event of a major public threat to safety. The Federal Transit Administration's internal document outlining the shutdown of Metro was never shared with WMATA or even the Metrorail Safety Commission (MSC), the agency that will eventually assume oversight of WMATA, and only made public after The Washington Post obtained the plan through a Freedom of Information Act request. In her letter to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman Sam Graves (R-OK), Norton wrote, A plan with such sweeping implications for the nation's capital and the national capital region, dominated by the federal government, should not be a secret, particularly from the top officials responsible for Metro and top local and regional officers.Notwithstanding the need for confidentiality regarding elements of the plan related to national security, it is irresponsible not to allow WMATA and MSC some access to the plan if a takeover is to proceed smoothly. Without a public hearing, we cannot know how much of the plan should be made public, why it has been known only to federal officials within DOT or whether details should also be shared with the committee and the general public where appropriate. Holding a hearing on a federally mandated shutdown of Metrorail would allow Congress to obtain critical information on the federal government's plan and ensure that key stakeholders in the operation of our region's Metrorail system are sufficiently informed and have an opportunity to be heard on this important subject. Norton's full letter is below. The Honorable Bill Shuster Chairman House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 2079 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Peter J. DeFazio Ranking Member House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 2134 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Sam Graves Chairman House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit 1135 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairmen Schuster and Graves and Ranking Member DeFazio: The public only recently learned of a plan to shut down the entire Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail system in the event of a major threat to public safety. This plan was never made available to the public or even shared with officials outside of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), including top Metro officials. A plan with such sweeping implications for the nation's capital and the national capital region, dominated by the federal government, should not be a secret, particularly from the top officials responsible for Metro and top local and regional officers. I write to ask that the committee or the subcommittee hold a hearing on the federal government's shutdown plan for Metrorail. Apparently, under the federal government's plan, a serious safety event rising to the level of a substantial risk, as determined by federal safety officials, could set in motion a series of events featuring involvement from the National Security Council, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, ultimately resulting in an indefinite suspension of Metrorail operations. Such an outcome could create a significant disruption in travel for nearly 700,000 residents in the District of Columbia, millions of regional residents, as well as federal employees in the region who commute using Metrorail and are indispensable to the operation of the federal government, including its security. The Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) internal document outlining the mechanics of a federally mandated shutdown of WMATA has existed since December of 2016, but was never shared with WMATA or the Metrorail Safety Commission (MSC), the agency that would eventually assume oversight of WMATA. Without The Washington Post's recent investigation and publication, the plan would have been a surprise to Metro officials. The shutdown plan is currently active and would remain active even after the MSC took over safety oversight of Metro. Yet, the MSC has never seen the plan. The Post obtained the document through a Freedom of Information Act Request. Notwithstanding the need for confidentiality regarding elements of the plan related to national security, it is irresponsible not to allow WMATA and MSC some access to the plan if a takeover is to proceed smoothly. Without a public hearing, we cannot know how much of the plan should be made public, why it has been known only to federal officials within DOT or whether details should also be shared with the committee and the general public where appropriate. Holding a hearing on a federally mandated shutdown of Metrorail would allow Congress to obtain critical information on the federal government's plan and ensure that key stakeholders in the operation of our region's Metrorail system are sufficiently informed and have an opportunity to be heard on this important subject. If the point is to make the plan as effective as possible, top stakeholders almost surely have useful contributions. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to working with you. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-raskin-to-host-teach-in-and-interfaith-vigil-on-effective,"Norton, Raskin to Host Teach-In and Interfaith Vigil on Effective Community Responses to Hate and White Supremacy, Friday",2018-08-06,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) will host a regional teach-in on the effects of extremist groups in American communities and effective ways to push back against the spread of hate, followed by an interfaith vigil, on Friday, August 10, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.), at Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St. NW, Washington, DC 20016). The town hall-style event will encourage audience participation. Members of the public are invited to remain after the teach-in to hear from interfaith leaders. Refreshments will be served throughout the teach-in and vigil. Reverend William J. Barber, II, president and lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, will deliver the keynote address, and Leonard Zeskind, Founder of the Institute for Research & Education on Human Rights, will explain the current context of far-right organizing and vigilante violence. The teach-in will feature a panel discussion, entitled Developing Effective Responses to Eliminate Hate. The panel will feature Dr. Wes Bellamy, Vice Mayor, Charlottesville, VA; Dr. Randy Blazak, Oregon Coalition Against Hate Crime; Lecia Brooks, Outreach Director, Southern Poverty Law Center; Monica Hopkins, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, D.C.; and Tony McAleer, Board Chair, Life After Hate. As we continue to see hate speech rise across the country, it is critical to find constructive and nonviolent ways to address those we disagree with and help educate the public, said Congresswoman Norton. Because the First Amendment protects all speech, even hate speech, those of us who profoundly disagree with such messages must find effective and creative ways to respond. Our teach-in will promote community engagement and feature experts and leaders who have spent their lives effectively responding to hate and bigoted speech, while respecting constitutional First Amendment principles. Our Teach-In will provide essential information on how communities across America are responding to growing hate violence and white supremacist ideology, said Congressman Raskin. It will provide our community the chance to deliver a unified response to the racist roadshow coming to our streets this weekend. We want to say that the fascists speak under a First Amendment which they hate, but they don't speak for us and they cannot intimidate a community which is thriving under the values of democracy, pluralism and tolerance they despise. We stand together and we stand strong. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-scott-van-hollen-call-on-congress-to-consider-recommendations-of,"Norton, Scott, Van Hollen Call on Congress to Consider Recommendations of Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commissions Preliminary Report, Issued Yesterday",2018-08-02,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) called on Congress to take up the recommendations made by the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission in its preliminary report to Congress, which was submitted yesterday. Norton, Scott, and Van Hollen are members of the Commission, which is chaired by Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and Co-Founder and President of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. The Members issued the following statement: Frederick Douglass was one of the greatest Americans in our history and deserves a fitting recognition from Congress and the federal government to honor his life on the 200th anniversary of his birth. The preliminary recommendations made by the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission include new and creative ideas to ensure the American people learn about Frederick Douglass' unique legacy. Congress can start by taking up the Commission's recommendation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Frederick Douglass. We look forward to continuing to find ways to honor Douglass throughout the rest of this year. On behalf of the family of Frederick Douglass and the Bicentennial Commission, I am delighted that Members of Congress are committed to lifting up the life and legacy of my great-great-great grandfather during his Bicentennial year and beyond, said Chairman Morris. I look forward to continued collaboration with my fellow commission members and Congress as we help to deepen and broaden efforts to recognize his continued relevance today. The Commission was created by the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act (P.L. 115-77) to plan, develop, and carry out, as well as recommend to Congress, programs and activities to honor and celebrate the life of Frederick Douglass during the bicentennial anniversary of his birth in 2018. The House version was introduced by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Congressman Andy Harris and the Senate version was introduced by Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin. The Commission's preliminary report was due by August 1, 2018. The final report is due by June 1, 2019. The members of the Commission, as of August 1, 2018, are: Senator Tim Scott Senator Chris Van Hollen Representative Andy Harris, M.D. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Dr. David Anderson Naomi C. Earp, Esq. Kay Coles James Alveda C. King Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. (Chair) Dean Nelson Star Parker Sylvia L. Quinton Dr. C. James Trotman ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-says-senate-vote-to-block-cruz-dc-health-insurance-amendment-is,Norton Says Senate Vote to Block Cruz D.C. Health Insurance Amendment is an Encouraging Sign for Final D.C. Appropriations Bill,2018-08-01,2018,2018-08,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) thanked the Senate for voting today to table, or kill, Senator Ted Cruz's (R-TX) amendment to prohibit the District of Columbia from using its local funds to carry out the Health Insurance Requirement Amendment Act of 2018 (HIRA), which requires D.C. residents to have health insurance. Cruz filed his amendment on the floor to the fiscal year 2019 D.C. Appropriations bill, which passed the Senate today as part of a minibus appropriations package. Three states (Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont) have passed individual mandate laws similar to the District's. The Senate-passed D.C. appropriations bill contains two anti-home-rule riders: prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds on recreational marijuana commercialization and abortions for low-income women. These are the only amendments Norton will likely not be able to remove unless the House and/or Senate change majority from Republican control. I thank the Senate for rejecting Senator Cruz's poison pill amendment that would have undemocratically interfered with the local laws of the nation's capital, Norton said. I particularly want to thank Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy for speaking forcefully on the floor in defense of D.C. home rule. D.C. residents and I are grateful for his leadership and for fighting to see that the District can spend its local funds as it sees fit. We have consistently been able to survive Senate appropriations before, but we have not had to face floor amendments in over a decade. We continue to work to rid D.C.'s appropriations bill of all anti-home-rule riders, but we are pleased that we were able to prevent any new attacks on D.C.'s local laws and policies in the Senate. I will be working hard as the House and Senate prepare to go to conference to ensure the House-passed D.C. riders do not make it into the final spending bill. The House-passed fiscal year 2019 D.C. Appropriations bill contained a record seven anti-home-rule riders: prohibits D.C. from using its local funds to carry out HIRA; prohibits D.C. from using its local funds to seize assets as part of enforcing the HIRA tax penalty; repeals the Local Budget Autonomy Act of 2012; prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds on recreational marijuana commercialization; prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds on abortions for low-income women; repeals the Death with Dignity Act; and prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-releases-full-list-of-employers-ahead-of-her-annual-job-fair,"Norton Releases Full List of Employers Ahead of Her Annual Job Fair, Wednesday",2018-07-30,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released the full list of nearly 100 employers that will be available to meet directly with District of Columbia residents at Norton's annual Job Fair, to be held Wednesday, August 1, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon PL NW). The Fair is free and open only to D.C. residents. Job-seekers must bring proof of D.C. residency (photo ID, voter registration card, pay stub, utility bill or lease). Today when online applications are routine, job seekers rarely get the chance to have a face-to-face meeting with an actual employer unless they make it to the interview process, Norton said. Our Job Fair offers residents a prime opportunity to network and discuss job opportunities with employers who are looking to hire. The Fair will feature employers from every sector and industry in the D.C. region, including non-profits, private businesses, retail, labor unions, restaurants, hotels and tourism, construction, federal and county governments, law enforcement, apprentice organizations and others. The Fair will also feature stations offering one-on-one consulting with workforce development professionals on applying for a job. Below is the full list of employers, organized by job category. Accounting CFO Services Group Construction Insulators and Allied Workers Local 24 JATC Keystone Mountain Lakes Region Council of Carpenters Culinary Arts D.C. Central Kitchen District Government D.C. Courts D.C. Department of Corrections D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking D.C. Office of Human Rights D.C. Office of the Attorney General Education 5House LifeSkills BootCamp Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School Aveda Institute D.C. DeVry University Enriched Schools Fairfax County Public Schools Job Corps Potomac Job Corps Electrical Apprenticeship IBEW Local Union 26 IBEW Local 26 / JATC Federal Government Architect of the Capitol Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency Drug Enforcement Administration Smithsonian Institution U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services U.S. Department of State U.S. Office of Personnel Management Smithsonian National Zoo Financial Services Andrews Federal Credit Union Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Care Givers Insurance Agency Primerica Financial Services Food and Beverage Lucky Strike Officina Southwest Soda Pop Shop Government Contractor PAE (Pacific Architects and Engineers) Health Care AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia Children's National Health System Sibley Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine Unity Health Care Higher Education The George Washington University University of the Potomac Hospitality Concord Hospitality Entertainment Cruises Hilton Marriott Marquis Washington D.C NFC Amenity Management Old Town Trolley Tours The Omni Shoreham Information Technology (IT) Cybersoft Technologies Corporation Law Enforcement Charles County Sheriff's Office Chesterfield County Police Department Delaware State Police Maryland Natural Resources Police Metropolitan Police Department, D.C. Montgomery County Police New Castle County Police Department NYC Department of Correction Philadelphia Police Department Prince George's County Police Department Virginia Department of State Police Legal Services Arnold & Porter LegalShield Management and Hospitality Sunset Pool Management Inc. Marketing and Advertisement Social Driver Military District of Columbia Army National Guard Non Profit 40Plus of Greater Washington Human Rights Campaign Jubilee Jobs LAYC Career Academy PCS LeadingAge Thrive D.C United Planning Organization Operations and Maintenance Complete Building Services Performing Arts Washington Performing Arts Property Management Bozzuto Kettler Management Public Safety MCPD 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center Public Utility DC Water Real Estate Forest City Washington CBRE Retail CVS Health Giant Food LOFT Security Services Admiral Security Special Events Events DC The Anthem Staffing Firm Mb Staffing Services Ranavain Telecommunications RCN Transportation Academy Bus Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Veteran Service Organization The American Legion Workforce Development America Works of Washington, DC Served Academy ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-statement-on-the-passing-of-her-good-friend-and-former-colleague,Norton Statement on the Passing of Her Good Friend and Former Colleague Ron Dellums,2018-07-30,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) issued the following statement on the passing of 13-term Member of Congress and Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums. The loss of Ron Dellums will be felt by Members past and present and of all backgrounds and political views. I had the privilege of working with Ron as he carried out several leadership roles here in Congress. District of Columbia residents will always be grateful to Ron for his championship of the District, before and after home rule. Ron chaired the Committee on the District of Columbia, which no longer exists, for 14 years and always sought increasing empowerment for the city, from strengthening our role in Congress to fighting for D.C. statehood. In effect, Ron Dellums took care of two districtshis own in the East Bay area and the District of Columbia. At a time when I was new to Congress, I personally benefitted immensely from his wisdom and use of his chairmanship and seniority on our behalf. I know of no precedent in Congress for a member known as a principled leader for peace who, at the same time, managed to gain the confidence of his peers to become chair of the Armed Services Committee. I felt Ron's leadership in my work in the Free South Africa Movement when he spearheaded the effort in Congress to achieve the divestment of U.S. companies from South Africa and, ultimately, the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. Ron was such a talented public official that he was not finished serving when he left Congress, later becoming mayor of Oakland, CA. Ron Dellums will be remembered as one of the most transformational men to serve in either chamber of Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ever-since-the-parkland-florida-tragedy-student-leaders-nationwide-and,"Norton to Speak at Student-Led Peace Party to Prevent Gun Violence, Saturday",2018-07-27,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will speak at a community event to promote peace and prevent gun violence tomorrow, Saturday, July 28, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m., at the THEARC (1901 Mississippi Ave. SE). The Peace Party is being hosted by District of Columbia student leaders and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence's Team ENOUGH. In addition to public speakers, there will be music, free food, games and other fun family activities. Ever since the Parkland, Florida tragedy, student leaders nationwide and here in D.C. have taken control of the movement to prevent gun violence, Norton said. D.C. is a special target of the National Rifle Association, so teaming up with the Brady Campaign is the perfect way to bring our community out for a day of fun combined with an important conversation on how to reduce gun violence in our schools and neighborhoods. While I am fighting attempts by Republicans in Congress to eliminate D.C.'s gun safety laws, I am glad our students are in the community working to fight gun violence. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-congratulates-mamie-johnson-for-winning-dc-s-little-league,Norton Congratulates Mamie Johnson for Winning D.C.s Little League Championship and Invites Team for a House Floor Tour,2018-07-27,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said she will enter a statement into the Congressional Record honoring the Mamie Johnson Little League baseball team as the first all-black team to win the annual District of Columbia's Little League championship. Norton said she will also invite the team and its coaches to sit with her on the House floor and tour the Capitol. Mamie Johnson will now represent D.C. at the Mid-Atlantic regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut. Mamie Johnson Little League was founded in 2015 and is based in Ward 7. The league is named after Negro League pitcher Mamie Peanut Johnson. The championship game was played on July 24 at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, located in Fort Dupont. Norton played an essential role in negotiations with the District and the National Park Service to get the federal land for the baseball academy transferred to D.C. I could not be more proud of our Mamie Johnson players and coaches for their extraordinary victory in representing the best of our great city, Norton said. Winning this tournament as the first all-black team was a remarkable achievement, especially considering the Mamie Johnson League has only been playing since 2015. Perhaps our players drew inspiration from the Capitals remarkable upset Stanley Cup victory. I look forward to welcoming our D.C. champions to the Capitol. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-will-take-extra-time-on-house-floor-on-record-progress-on-dc,"Norton Will Take Extra Time on House Floor on Record Progress on D.C. Statehood and Her Fight Against Record Attacks on D.C. Home Rule, Today",2018-07-26,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Before the House of Representatives leaves for August recess today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will hold time on the House floor to talk about the record-breaking support she has garnered for District of Columbia statehood this Congress, while simultaneously fighting back against a record number of anti-democratic attacks by House Republicans on D.C.'s local laws and policies. Norton is expected to speak on the House floor between 12:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Despite facing an all-Republican government, we have not slowed down in building historic congressional support in the House and Senate for making D.C. the 51st state, Norton said. In the face of a record number of anti-D.C. riders by House Republicans, we have secured a record number of House and Senate cosponsors for statehood. The unrelenting anti-democratic attacks make the case for why D.C. residents deserve equal citizenship, free from congressional interference. I will remind my colleagues of the District's Aaa bond rating, awarded by Moody's for the District's exemplary fiscal governance.' At the very least, Republicans should respect budget autonomy, which is the law of the land, and allow D.C. to spend its locally-raised funds how it sees fit. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-introduces-national-dance-day-resolution-ahead-of-dc-and-0,"Norton Introduces National Dance Day Resolution Ahead of D.C. and Nationwide Celebrations, Saturday",2018-07-25,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click Here for More Details on D.C.'s National Dance Day Celebration WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution marking Saturday, July 28, 2018, as National Dance Day, celebrated annually on the last Saturday of July. Norton launched National Dance Day in 2010 in partnership with So You Think You Can Dance co-creator Nigel Lythgoe with celebrations on the National Mall and in Los Angeles, CA. Norton first introduced the resolution to mark National Dance Day in 2010. To commemorate National Dance Day in the District of Columbia, the Kennedy Center and the Dizzy Feet Foundation, in conjunction with Norton, will present a free, all-day celebration featuring dance performances, interactive routines and dance lessons on Saturday, July 28, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m., at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St. NW). Norton will give opening remarks and join the dancing celebration. This year, there are National Dance Day official events planned in California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. National Dance Day is a time each year when residents can let loose and dance their hearts out as a form of fun, but also to remind themselves to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, Norton said. I am grateful to the dedication and hard work of our National Dance Day sponsors, the Kennedy Center and the Dizzy Feet Foundation, who have worked with me to make this event a tremendous success over the past several years. I look forward to dancing with residents this Saturday! Norton's full resolution is below. RESOLUTION Expressing support for dance as a form of valuable exercise and of artistic expression, and for the designation of July 28 as National Dance Day. Whereas Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer and celebrity judge for the dance-themed television show So You Think You Can Dance, in association with the Dizzy Feet Foundation, has encouraged the creation of National Dance Day celebrations in nations around the world, beginning with the first National Dance Day on the National Mall in 2010; Whereas the Dizzy Feet Foundation and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in conjunction with the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, will celebrate National Dance Day on July 28, 2018, in Washington, D.C., at the Kennedy Center; Whereas National Dance Day has captured the imagination of people throughout the Nation and around the world, and has helped popularize dance as an art form, as a form of exercise, and as a way of having fun; Whereas States and cities across the country have been encouraged to celebrate National Dance Day with events; Whereas National Dance Day has spread and will be celebrated this year with events across the country, including California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin; Whereas National Dance Day encourages many forms of dance expression, representing the Nation's rich artistic, regional, ethnic, and racial diversity; Whereas National Dance Day features the full spectrum of dance, from classical to popular to line and partner dances; Whereas dance helps improve heart health, burn calories, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility for people of all ages; Whereas health officials have repeatedly documented an overweight and obesity epidemic among United States citizens of all backgrounds and ages; Whereas dance, in all its variations, is a popular form of physical exercise; Whereas this year at the Kennedy Center, performers will entertain and encourage dance, including Ashley Bouder with the New York City Ballet, Comfort Fedoke, Michael Mindlin with Hamilton, Kazaxe, Xuejuan Dance Ensemble, Teren Dickson, Dance for Parkinson's Disease, Monica Stephenson with The Washington Ballet, Sultanas Troupe, Velocity Dance, Cartier Williams, Word Dance Theater, Gina Safadi with Salsa with Silvia, and Soukous All Stars and the Bazurto All Stars with outdoor classes and performances, and CityDance DREAM & CityDance Conservatory, Dance Institute of Washington, and the DEA Youth Dance Program with indoor performances; Whereas in advance of National Dance Day, instructional videos are available on the Dizzy Feet Foundation YouTube channel featuring dance routines for all skill levels to be performed by audiences on National Dance Day; and Whereas the last Saturday in July continues to be the day to celebrate National Dance Day annually, as it has been for the past seven years: Now, therefore, be it Resolved,That the House of Representatives (1) supports the designation of National Dance Day to celebrate and encourage a national commitment to dance and dance education; (2) acknowledges that dance is making an important contribution to health by encouraging physical fitness and reducing obesity; (3) commends Nigel Lythgoe for his leadership in promoting dance and National Dance Day; and (4) thanks the Dizzy Feet Foundation for their continuing efforts to spread awareness of National Dance Day. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-blasts-cruz-for-filing-amendment-to-senate-dc-appropriations-bill,Norton Blasts Cruz for Filing Amendment to Senate D.C. Appropriations Bill to Block D.C.s Individual Health Insurance Mandate,2018-07-24,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today blasted Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) for filing an anti-democratic amendment on the floor to the Senate's fiscal year 2019 District of Columbia Appropriations bill to prohibit the District from using its local funds to carry out the Health Insurance Requirement Amendment Act of 2018, which requires D.C. residents to have health insurance and is modeled on the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate. Three states (Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont) have passed individual mandate laws similar to the District's. The House last week passed an identical amendment, offered by Representative Gary Palmer (R-PA), and ultimately passed its version of the fiscal year 2019 D.C. Appropriations bill. Senator Cruz needs to do more for Texas, Norton said. Instead, he is stealing precious time and effort from his Texas constituents to abuse congressional power by interfering with the affairs of another Member's district. As the main proponent of repealing the Affordable Care Act and stripping health insurance from millions of Americans, he cannot bear to see health care be offered even at the local level. Unfortunately for him, the ACA is more popular than ever nationwide, and we will beat his attempts to take out D.C.'s local version. Cruz has been a serial abuser of D.C. home rule, and he has repeatedly failed. He has twice introduced a bill to radically alter the District's local education system by forcing D.C. to steer its local funds away from D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools to vouchers for any student who chooses to attend private schools. The bill also would have forced D.C. to use its local funds to pay for other educational expenses such as private online classes. Last Congress, ahead of announcing his presidential bid, he introduced disapproval resolutions to nullify two D.C. anti-discrimination laws, the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act and the Human Rights Amendment Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-encouraged-by-nps-withdrawal-of-proposed-restrictions-of-sports,"Norton Encouraged by NPS Withdrawal of Proposed Restrictions of Sports on the National Mall, Calls for Further Collaboration with Residents",2018-07-24,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today thanked the National Park Service (NPS) for withdrawing its proposal to restrict organized recreational sports on the National Mall and increase permitting fees. Norton said she was pleased that NPS took seriously her community meeting held last month with NPS, recreational sports organizations and members of the public. At Norton's meeting, Patricia Trap, Acting Superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks, committed to further working with the sports leagues and residents to hear more public feedback and further study the proposal's impacts before proceeding. NPS' participation in our community meeting and its response is a model of responsive government, Norton said. We look forward to closely collaborating with residents and NPS as NPS weighs changes to its original proposal to ensure the tradition of playing recreational sports on the National Mall continues, while also protecting the Mall's new wear-resistant turf. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-fight-to-remove-record-number-of-anti-home-rule-riders-from-final,Norton Fight to Remove Record Number of Anti-Home-Rule Riders from Final D.C. Spending Bill is On,2018-07-19,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Although the fiscal year 2019 District of Columbia Appropriations bill passed by the House today contains a record seven anti-home-rule riders, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said she believes she will be able to keep most of these Republican riders out of the final spending bill. The House last night passed two new anti-home-rule amendments targeting D.C.'s health insurance individual mandate bill (the Health Insurance Requirement Amendment Act of 2018 (HIRA)).Three states (Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont) have passed individual mandate laws similar to the District's. Republican hypocrisy was on full display on the House floor when Members repeatedly cited limited government and personal freedom, while using the big boot of the federal government to interfere with the business of a local jurisdiction, Norton said. I believe that the two anti-home-rule amendments that were made in order for the House floor, both trying to gut D.C.'s health insurance bill, show that Republicans have not gotten over their repeated failed attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), despite controlling the House, Senate and White House. I do not intend to allow D.C. to become Republicans' scapegoat as they fume about the ACA's continued popularity. We are all too accustomed to these undemocratic Republican assaults on our district, but I have kept most of these House riders from being included in final spending bills. Here we go again working closely with our allies in the Senate to ensure the District's self-government rights are respected. The HIRA amendments were offered by Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) and Representative Keith Rothfus (R-PA). Palmer's amendment would prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to carry out HIRA, which requires D.C. residents to have health insurance and is modeled on the ACA's individual mandate. Rothfus' amendment would prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to seize assets as part of enforcing the HIRA tax penalty. Norton was able to get four Republicans to vote with her against the Palmer amendment. The Rules Committee blocked Norton from offering on the floor her amendments to strike the five anti-home-rule included in the bill, even though Norton's amendments complied with House rules. Norton's amendments would have struck the riders that repeal the Local Budget Autonomy Act of 2012, prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds on recreational marijuana commercialization, prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds on abortions for low-income women, repeal the Death with Dignity Act and prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-blasts-republicans-on-house-floor-for-launching-record-number-of,Norton Blasts Republicans on House Floor for Launching Record Number of Attacks on D.C. Home Rule,2018-07-17,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today took to the House floor during debate on the rule for the House's fiscal year 2019 District of Columbia Appropriations bill to shame Republicans for launching a record number of attacks on the District of Columbia's local laws and spending policies. Norton said Republicans hypocritically blocked her from offering her amendments to strike the five anti-home-rule riders from the bill, while allowing two additional anti-home-rule amendments to be offered targeting D.C.'s health insurance individual mandate bill (the Health Insurance Requirement Amendment Act of 2018 (HIRA)). The House this evening will begin consideration of the fiscal year 2019 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, which contains D.C.'s appropriations bill, and the amendments that were made in order. Norton will go on the House floor again this evening or tomorrow to oppose the HIRA amendments when they come up for debate. If the HIRA amendments pass with the bill, there will be a record seven anti-home-rule riders in the bill. The HIRA amendments were filed by Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) and Representative Keith Rothfus (R-PA). Palmer's amendment would prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to carry out HIRA, which requires D.C. residents to have health insurance and is modeled on the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. Rothfus' amendment would prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to seize assets as part of enforcing a HIRA tax penalty. Norton's full floor remarks are below. Mr. Speaker, first I want to thank the ranking member for his very cogent remarks that go to the principle of the matter before the House today. I have to day, I come to the well of the House in outrage against the attack on the District of Columbia by the Republican House. In 1973 that is 45 years ago Congress pass the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which created the locally elected government. Understand that after the Civil War, it was Republicans who first gave the District of Columbia the right to have its own home rule, a tradition that this Republican majority has repudiated. According to the Home Rule Act, a central purpose of the act, and I am quoting, to relieve Congress of the burden of legislating upon essentially local District matters. President Richard Nixon, who signed the bill, affirmed that purpose himself when he wrote, and I am going to quote President Nixon: One of the major goals of this Administration is to place responsibility for local functions under local control and to provide local governments with the authority and resources they need to serve their communities effectively. The measure I sign today represents a significant step in achieving this goal in the city of Washington. It will give the people of the District of Columbia the right to elect their own city officials and to govern themselves in local affairs. As the Nation approaches the 200th anniversary of its founding, it is particularly appropriate to assure those persons who live in our Capital City rights and privileges which have long been enjoyed by most of their countrymen. But the measure I sign today does more than create machinery for the election of local officials. It also broadens and strengthens the structure of the city government to enable it to deal more effectively with its responsibilities. Signed President Nixon. How do we square those words and the bipartisan Home Rule Act with the fiscal year 2019 D.C. appropriations bill, which is the most significant abuse of congressional power over the District of Columbia since Republicans took over the House in 2011? This bill repeals two D.C. laws and prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds, consisting solely of local taxes and fees raised in the city by local citizens, not a cent of it raised from this House, to either carry out or enact three laws. I filed amendments to strike all five of these undemocratic riders. Even though my amendments complied with House rules, the Rules Committee did not make any of them in order, afraid, apparently, of debate on this matter before the people of the United States. Adding insult to injury, the Rules Committee piled on by making in order two additional anti-home-rule riders. If this bill passes, there will be a record seven anti-home-rule riders in it. Some of these riders come back every year, and yet we have been able to get them off every year in conference. This Republican majority endlessly touts their support of local affairs a lie, as long as that principle stops at the District of Columbia border and Republicans interfere with the spending and laws of a local jurisdiction not their own. Pardon me for being angry, but I remind my colleagues that the 700,000 American citizens who live in the District of Columbia pay the highest federal taxes per capita in the United States and have fought and died in every American war, including the Revolutionary War. Yet, they have no voting representation on this House floor, even on their own appropriation, and no representation in the Senate at all. These riders amount to bullying that takes unfair advantage of the District of Columbia. No wonder we are making headway on our D.C. statehood bill, but it should not take statehood for any district to be treated with respect and fairness. We have been successful in cleaning up the D.C. appropriation in the past and we will be successful again. The people of the District of Columbia will not let you get away with bullying them after they have paid their federal taxes the way every Member of this House has. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-speak-at-20th-anniversary-celebration-of-african-american,"Norton to Speak at 20th Anniversary Celebration of African American Civil War Memorial and Museum She Helped Achieve, Wednesday",2018-07-17,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will give remarks at a kick-off celebration of the 20th anniversary of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum tomorrow, Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at 1925 Vermont Ave. NW. One of Norton's first bills when she came to Congress authorized the District of Columbia government to establish on federal land in D.C. a memorial to African Americans who died as Union soldiers during the Civil War. Norton's bill passed the House and Senate and was signed into law in 1992. The museum first opened its doors in the historic U Street neighborhood on July 18, 1998. It is a personal joy to see how successful the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum have been since my bill in 1992 authorized the memorial to African American soldiers, Norton said. My good friend Dr. Frank Smith, the museum's founder and executive director, deserves the credit for how he has taken the memorial and built it into a museum that is now being expanded. For 20 years, his unique museum has been a tourist attraction that has educated thousands of D.C. residents and visitors on the remarkable achievements and contributions of African American soldiers during the Civil War, who were invaluable to the Union's victory that ended slavery and saved our nation. Located in the heart of historic U Street, the museum is one the District's most important landmarks and even has its name on a Metro station. I look forward to celebrating the memorial and museum tomorrow and particularly to congratulating Dr. Smith, whose vision has borne so much fruit here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-take-to-house-floor-to-protest-house-republicans-blocking-her,"Norton to Take to House Floor to Protest House Republicans Blocking Her Amendments to Strike Anti-D.C. Riders While Allowing Two Anti-D.C. Amendments, Today",2018-07-17,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will speak on the House floor this afternoon at approximately 12:45 p.m. after the Rules Committee last night did not make in order her amendments to strike five anti-home-rule riders from the House's fiscal year 2019 District of Columbia Appropriations bill, even though Norton's amendments complied with House rules. The Rules Committee made in order two Republican amendments that would block D.C.'s health insurance individual mandate. Norton will speak during debate on the rule for the fiscal year 2019 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, which contains D.C.'s appropriations bill. House Republicans have launched the largest number of attacks on D.C. home rule since taking control of the House in 2011 and are now preventing the People's House from taking a full vote on my amendments to strike riders that target D.C.'s local laws and policies, Norton. Yet, Republicans are more than willing to allow a floor vote on further attacks to D.C. home rule by making in order amendments that would gut D.C.'s health insurance mandate law. This outrageous hypocrisy is a further insult to D.C. residents. Although Republican attacks in the House come each year, I have been able to defeat nearly all of them in conference and intend to do so again. Norton's amendments would have struck the riders that repeal the Local Budget Autonomy Act of 2012, prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds on recreational marijuana commercialization, prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds on abortions for low-income women, repeal the Death with Dignity Act and prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act. The amendments targeting D.C.'s health insurance individual mandate were filed by Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) and Representative Keith Rothfus (R-PA). Palmer's amendment would prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to carry out the Health Insurance Requirement Amendment Act of 2018 (HIRA), which requires D.C. residents to have health insurance and is modeled on the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate. Rothfus' amendment would to prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to seize assets as part of enforcing a HIRA tax penalty. Norton said that the Republican reaction to D.C.'s heath insurance law may be a reaction to its failed attempts to repeal the ACA. The Rules Committee made Rothfus' amendment in order even though he filed it after the amendment deadline and it contained a drafting error. The original version of the Rothfus amendment referred to a part of the D.C. Code that does not exist. The Rules Committee did not make in order Palmer's amendment that would have prohibited D.C. from using its local funds to carry out the recent voter-passed Initiative 77, which would eliminate the tipped minimum wage. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-releases-testimony-opposing-all-anti-home-rule-riders-to-dc,"Norton Releases Testimony Opposing All Anti-Home-Rule Riders to D.C. Appropriations Bill Ahead of Rules Committee Hearing/Markup, Tonight",2018-07-16,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released Norton's testimony in support of her amendments to strike all five anti-home-rule riders from the House's fiscal year 2019 District of Columbia Appropriations bill, as well as in opposition to three filed anti-home-rule amendments, ahead of a House Rules Committee hearing/markup scheduled for today, Monday, July 16, 2018, at 5:00 p.m., in H-313 (U.S. Capitol). Norton will testify at the hearing. In her prepared remarks, Norton said, This bill is the most significant abuse of congressional power over the District of Columbia since Republicans took over the House in 2011. This bill repeals two D.C. laws and prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds, consisting solely of local taxes and fees, to either carry out or enact three laws. I urge you to make in order my D.C. amendments, each of which complies with House rules, to strike these five undemocratic riders. The Rules Committee is considering the fiscal year 2019 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, which contains D.C.'s appropriations bill. The bill is expected to be on the House floor this week. Norton's amendments would strike the riders that repeal the Local Budget Autonomy Act of 2012, prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds on recreational marijuana commercialization, prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds on abortions for low-income women, repeal the Death with Dignity Act (DWDA), and prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act (RHNDA). Norton's marijuana amendment has bipartisan support with Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) as a cosponsor, along with Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Barbara Lee (D-CA). Representatives Lee and Tim Ryan (D-OH) are cosponsors of her RHNDA amendment. Lee is a cosponsor of Norton's abortion amendment. Representatives Blumenauer and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) are cosponsors of her DWDA amendment. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) filed amendments to prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to carry out the recent voter-passed Initiative 77, which would eliminate the tipped minimum wage, and to prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to carry out the Health Insurance Requirement Amendment Act of 2018 (HIRA), which requires D.C. residents to have health insurance and is modeled on the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. Representative Keith Rothfus (R-PA) filed an amendment to prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to seize assets as part of enforcing a HIRA tax penalty. Representatives Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Mark Sanford (R-SC) are cosponsors of Palmer's Initiative 77 amendment, and Meadows and Representative Mark Walker (R-NC) are cosponsors of Palmer's HIRA amendment. Norton's full testimony, as prepared for delivery, is below. Testimony of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton House Committee on Rules H.R. 6147, Fiscal Year 2019 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act July 16, 2018 This bill is the most significant abuse of congressional power over the District of Columbia since Republicans took over the House in 2011. This bill repeals two D.C. laws and prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds, consisting solely of local taxes and fees, to either carry out or enact three laws. I urge you to make in order my D.C. amendments, each of which complies with House rules, to strike these five undemocratic riders. It is the height of hypocrisy for Republicans, who claim to support local control of local affairs, to interfere with the spending and laws of a local jurisdiction. Yet, remarkably, Republicans were not satisfied with the Appropriations Committee including five D.C. riders in the bill. Instead, Representative Gary Palmer filed two amendments to prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out two more bills, and Representative Keith Rothfus filed an amendment to prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out a portion of one of those bills. Adding insult to injury, every single D.C. policy Republicans are trying to repeal or block exists in other jurisdictions, some even in the districts of the Republicans on this committee. My first amendment, cosponsored by Representatives Dana Rohrabacher, Barbara Lee and Earl Blumenauer, strikes the rider that prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds to commercialize recreational marijuana. Nine states have legalized recreational marijuana, and eight of those states have approved commercialization. In February 2015, D.C. legalized the possession of marijuana for recreational use, after two independent studies found dramatic racial disparities in marijuana arrests in D.C. A rider to block recreational use failed due to faulty drafting, and possession of up to two ounces of marijuana for recreational use is legal in D.C., but Congress has prohibited D.C. from spending its local funds to tax and regulate recreational marijuana. This rider has unintentionally benefited violent drug gangs. For that reason, some refer to it as the Drug Dealer Protection Act. As one marijuana dealer told the Washington Post, the rider is a license for me to print money. Regulating marijuana like alcohol would allow D.C., instead of drug dealers, to control production, distribution, sales and revenues. My second amendment, cosponsored by Representatives Lee and Tim Ryan, strikes the rider that prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out its Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014. One state and two other cities have similar laws. The law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees and their families based on their reproductive health decisions. This rider permits employers to fire a woman for having an abortion due to rape, or to decline to hire a woman for using in vitro fertilization, or to fire a man for using condoms, or to reduce the salary of a parent for buying birth control for his or her child. My third amendment, cosponsored by Representative Lee, strikes the rider that prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds on abortion. Seventeen states spend their own funds on abortion. This rider effectively prevents low-income women in D.C. from exercising their constitutional right to abortion. My fourth amendment, cosponsored by Representatives Blumenauer and Mark DeSaulnier, strikes the rider that repeals D.C.'s Death with Dignity Act of 2016 and prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds to enact laws or regulations related to medical aid in dying. D.C.'s law is similar to the laws of the six states that have legalized medical aid in dying by statute, including two represented by Republican leaders. This law allows doctors authorized to practice medicine in D.C. to prescribe self-administered lethal medication to mentally competent, terminally ill adult D.C. residents. There are now 20 years of experience with legal medical aid in dying in the U.S., and the evidence demonstrates that it has worked to end needless suffering of patients. My fifth amendment strikes the rider that repeals D.C.'s Local Budget Autonomy Amendment Act of 2012, which allows D.C. to spend its local funds without congressional approval. The validity of the law has been challenged multiple times in local and federal court, and each time the law has been upheld on the merits or the case has been dismissed on procedural grounds. This Congress cannot balance its books while Moody's Investors Service last week said that the District has exemplary fiscal governance and gave D.C.'s general obligation bonds the highest rating. Moreover, Congress loses nothing under budget autonomy. Congress retains the authority to legislate on any D.C. matter, including its local budget, at any time. I will now turn to the three anti-home-rule amendments that were filed. Representative Palmer filed an amendment to prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out the District of Columbia Minimum Wage Amendment Act of 2017, also known as Initiative 77, which has not yet even taken effect. Initiative 77 would phase out the tipped minimum wage and provide one minimum wage for all workers in D.C. Initiative 77 is a divisive issue in D.C. While Initiative 77 was approved by 56 percent of voters in last month's election, a majority of the D.C. Council introduced legislation last week to repeal it. Consider the difference between the Council and Congress blocking Initiative 77. Councilmembers are accountable to D.C. residents. Members of Congress are not. No member of the Council, or the mayor, wants Congress to intervene in this matter, even those who oppose the vote of residents for Initiative 77. Two amendments were filed related to D.C.'s Health Insurance Requirement Amendment Act of 2018 (Insurance Act), which also has not yet taken effect. The Insurance Act would require D.C. residents to maintain health insurance coverage. A resident who fails to maintain such coverage would incur a tax penalty. Three states have such laws. These laws are designed to ensure that all residents have access to quality, affordable health insurance by reducing the cost of health insurance for all residents. Republicans reduced the individual mandate tax penalty in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to zero in the new tax law as part of their effort to sabotage the ACA. D.C., like many states, is stepping in to provide market stability and to protect quality, affordable coverage for residents. Representative Palmer filed an amendment to prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out the Insurance Act. Representative Rothfus filed an amendment to prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to seize assets to enforce the tax penalty under the Insurance Act. I will leave you with this final thought on behalf of the 700,000 American citizens I, and only I, represent in Congress. Please respect democratic self-government in the District of Columbia. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-requests-briefing-with-ice-officials-following-reports-of,Norton Requests Briefing with ICE Officials Following Reports of Indiscriminate Raids in D.C. Neighborhoods,2018-07-16,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today requested a briefing from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on reported raids conducted by ICE last week in the Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights neighborhoods in the District of Columbia. Local residents reported that ICE arrested at least a dozen individuals. Norton said the round-up of many of the residents appeared to be indiscriminate or based on racial profiling, and without a warrant. The reported ICE raids conducted last week in predominantly Latino D.C. neighborhoods signals that anyone on our streets could be arrested based on appearance, a danger to each and every D.C. resident, Norton said. D.C. is a sanctuary city that deeply values our immigrant residents. Such raids erode trust in law enforcement everywhere in the District. We need a full briefing and report on these raids and how they were carried out. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-says-trump-administration-insults-dc-residents-by-nominating-new,Norton Says Trump Administration Insults D.C. Residents by Nominating New CSOSA Director Without Any Local Consultation,2018-07-16,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today strongly criticized the Trump administration for its continued refusal to give her the ordinary courtesy of at least some consultation or notice on nominations for federal law enforcement officials serving the District of Columbia after the administration last week announced its intent to nominate Richard S. Tischner, of Virginia, to serve as director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA). Tischner currently serves as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and the Chief of the Superior Court Division at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Norton said the administration has refused to consult with her on federal judges and other federal officials serving the District, but this nomination is particularly insulting since CSOSA's only role is the supervision of offenders convicted under D.C. law. D.C. Code offenders are the only state or local felons housed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Trump administration continues to ignore the voice and input of D.C. residents when selecting federal officials to serve them, Norton said. I have no reason to believe Mr. Tischner is not qualified to serve as the director of CSOSA. However, it is insulting that the Trump administration would not even consult with me on a position that uniquely serves only one population: my constituents. I expect to meet with Mr. Tischner in the coming weeks to discuss the issues facing CSOSA and the unique challenges encountered by D.C.'s returning citizens, who are the only local felons housed by the federal government, as they reenter society. Presidents Obama and Clinton granted Norton senatorial courtesy to recommend to the president federal district judges, the U.S. Attorney and other federal law enforcement officials who serve the District, resulting in the D.C. District Court becoming one of the most high-quality and diverse federal benches in the nation. To afford participation by D.C. residents, she chose to form a Federal Law Enforcement Nominating Commission, comprised of distinguished lawyers and laypeople from every ward, chaired by Pauline Schneider, a former president of the D.C. Bar, to screen and recommend candidates to her, all of whom were D.C. residents or agreed to move into D.C. Norton then made her recommendations to the president, who nominated all of her selections. Unlike President George W. Bush, who extended her at least the courtesy of consultation, Trump has not provided Norton with any role in the nomination of federal district court judges and federal law enforcement officials in the District. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-go-on-house-floor-to-celebrate-moody-s-aaa-rating-for-dc-s,Norton to Go on House Floor to Celebrate Moodys Aaa Rating for D.C.s General Obligation Bonds and to Argue Congress Should Respect D.C. Budget Autonomy Law,2018-07-13,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said she will go to the House floor when Congress returns next week to celebrate the upgrade of the District of Columbia's general obligation (GO) bonds to Aaa by Moody's Investors Service. Aaa is the highest possible credit rating. In its report, Moody's wrote that the District has exemplary fiscal governance. This is the first time D.C. has received the highest rating from any agency. The District is finally being recognized in the bond markets, where it counts most, as one of the most fiscally responsible jurisdictions in the nationfor two decades nowall while operating city and many state functions, Norton said. This achievement is even more remarkable considering that District finances still contend with the uncertainty inherent in Congress's authority to interfere in the District's finances. However, the rating agencies have indicated that our success in getting the District exempted from federal government shutdowns is a credit positive, helping increase its rating. Pending statehood, the crown jewel is budget autonomy. I will be using the upgrade in the District's bond rating to the highest level to argue for fully recognizing D.C. budget autonomy law as the best way to maintain this extraordinary upgrade in the District's bond rating. In 2013, District voters passed a referendum, the Local Budget Autonomy Amendment Act (BAA), that allows D.C. to spend its local funds without congressional approval. Under the BAA, D.C.'s local budget takes effect after a congressional review period, like all other D.C. legislation. Although the BAA has been upheld in court, Congress continues to appropriate D.C.'s local funds as if the BAA does not exist. The House has also passed legislation to overturn the BAA three times, although Norton has prevented such legislation from being enacted. The rating agencies have long made clear that complete budget autonomy would improve the District's credit profile even more. As S&P Global Ratings noted on July 3, 3018, in upgrading its rating on D.C.'s GO bonds, a mitigating factor is the District's lack of complete budget autonomy. Norton has also succeeded in getting the District freed from the constraints of continuing resolutions (CR). While federal agencies must spend at last year's level under a CR, a Norton provision allows D.C. to spend at next year's level, allowing it to implement its budget immediately. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-to-testify-opposing-all-anti-home-rule-riders-to-dc,"Norton to Testify Opposing All Anti-Home-Rule Riders to D.C. Appropriations Bill at Rules Committee Markup, Monday",2018-07-13,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will testify in support of her amendments to strike all five anti-home-rule riders from the House's fiscal year 2019 District of Columbia Appropriations bill, as well as in opposition to three newly filed anti-home-rule amendments, at a House Rules Committee markup scheduled for Monday, July 16, 2018, at 5:00 p.m., in H-313 (U.S. Capitol). The Rules Committee is considering the fiscal year 2019 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, which contains D.C.'s appropriations bill. The bill is expected to be on the House floor next week. Norton's amendments would strike the riders that repeal the Local Budget Autonomy Act of 2012, prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds on recreational marijuana commercialization, prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds on abortions for low-income women, repeal the Death with Dignity Act (DWDA), and prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act (RHNDA). Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) filed amendments to prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to carry out the recent voter-passed Initiative 77, which would eliminate the tipped minimum wage, and to prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to carry out the Health Insurance Requirement Amendment Act of 2018 (HIRA), which requires D.C. residents to have health insurance and is modeled on the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. Representative Keith Rothfus (R-PA) filed an amendment to prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to seize assets as part of enforcing a HIRA tax penalty. Representatives Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Mark Sanford (R-SC) are cosponsors of Palmer's Initiative 77 amendment, and Meadows and Representative Mark Walker (R-NC) are cosponsors of Palmer's HIRA amendment. Monday's Rules Committee markup is the first step to driving Republicans back from meddling in the District's local affairs, Norton said. I will be testifying not only on my amendments to strike the five anti-D.C. riders embedded in D.C.'s appropriation, but also to fight back against new attacks launched this week by Republican Members who seem more interested in my district than they are with their own. The Rules Committee has sole discretion to decide which of the amendments may be offered on the House floor. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-welcomes-dc-area-girls-to-stem-day-on-capitol-hill,Norton Welcomes D.C.-Area Girls to STEM Day on Capitol Hill,2018-07-13,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) this morning welcomed girls from 17 public and public charter schools in the Washington, D.C.-area to Capitol Hill for a day of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) events as part of the Fourth Annual GE Girls STEM Camp. Norton provided opening remarks before a panel discussion, entitled Inspiring Girls to Dream Big in STEM. It was a joy to welcome a bright and talented group of our girls to Capitol Hill as they explore their passions in STEM-related fields, Norton said. We need them now more than ever to fill the jobs of tomorrow. We must do more to encourage girls and young women to keep our nation moving forward in all STEM fields. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-blasts-rothfus-for-launching-third-republican-attack-on-dc-s,Norton Blasts Rothfus for Launching Third Republican Attack on D.C.s Individual Health Insurance Mandate,2018-07-12,2018,2018-07,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today blasted Representative Keith Rothfus (R-PA) for filing an anti-home-rule rider to the fiscal year 2019 District of Columbia Appropriations bill to prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to collect taxes as part of enforcing the Health Insurance Requirement Amendment Act of 2018 (HIRA), which requires D.C. residents to maintain health insurance coverage, and failure to do so results in a tax liability. Three states (Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont) have passed individual mandate laws similar to the District's. The Rothfus amendment would prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds to carry out one method of collecting the tax liability. In particular, the amendment would prohibit the city from seizing property of a resident to collect the liability. Norton noted this marks the third Republican attack on D.C.'s individual mandate bill. Representatives Gary Palmer (R-AL) and Mark Meadows (R-NC) yesterday filed amendments to prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to carry out HIRA. Meadows later withdrew his amendment and cosponsored Palmer's amendment, along with Representative Mark Walker (R-NC). The amendments were filed at the House Rules Committee, which is expected to consider the fiscal year 2019 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, which contains D.C.'s appropriations bill, next week. Republicans like Representative Rothfus start ignoring their own constituents and get an anti-democratic fever during the D.C. appropriations process, Norton said. They have not taken the cure, even though we have beaten them every year. This year, they have not learned their lesson from the continuing popularity of the Affordable Care Act, and Representative Rothfus is trying to reach into local law by trying to strip affordable health care from D.C. residents, going after our local individual health insurance mandate, which aims to ensure all our residents have health insurance. This highly offensive attack is a gross violation of the American principle of self-government. I will be testifying against this anti-democratic rider, and I am confident we will be able to defeat it and protect D.C.'s local health care policies. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z