Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act

Bill Number

H.R. 3877

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-10: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2025-09-23T18:18:31Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act (H.R. 3877) seeks to return most of the District of Columbia (D.C.) to the state of Maryland—a process called "retrocession"—while preserving a small central area as the Federal District to serve as the permanent seat of the U.S. government. The main goal is to grant full voting rights and congressional representation to current D.C. residents by making them part of Maryland, ending D.C.'s status as a non-voting federal territory. This would address long-standing issues of D.C. residents' lack of representation in Congress without creating D.C. statehood.

Key Provisions

The bill is structured into four titles, outlining the retrocession process, federal interests, temporary continuations, and general rules.

Title I: Retrocession of District of Columbia to Maryland

• Retrocession Process (Subtitle A): The land originally ceded by Maryland to form D.C. in 1790 would be returned to Maryland, but only if Maryland passes a law accepting it. The President must issue a proclamation within 30 days of Maryland's acceptance to make it official.
• Federal District Definition (Subtitle B): A compact Federal District (about 4 square miles) remains under exclusive federal control, including key sites like the White House, Capitol, Supreme Court, and National Mall. Detailed boundaries are specified using streets and landmarks (e.g., starting at F Street NE and 2nd Street NE, following a metes-and-bounds path around federal properties). A survey must be completed within 180 days. The D.C. National Guard transfers to Maryland's control.
• Legal Effects (Subtitles B and C): Maryland's criminal and traffic laws apply to the Federal District. D.C. loses its status as a municipal corporation (a local government entity). Pending lawsuits, contracts, and proceedings continue, with Maryland as the successor to D.C.

Title II: Interests of Federal Government

• Property (Subtitle A): The U.S. retains ownership and control of federal buildings and lands in the retroceded area. Maryland gains title to former D.C. government property. Federal authority over military and Coast Guard sites continues as long as needed.
• Federal Courts (Subtitle B): Courts are renamed (e.g., "U.S. District Court for the Federal District"). Residency rules for judges, attorneys, and staff adjust (e.g., no special D.C. exceptions). References in federal law to D.C. courts are updated to "Federal District."
• Federal Elections (Subtitle C): Residents of the Federal District can vote absentee in federal elections (President, Congress) in their last state of residence before moving to D.C. The D.C. Delegate position in the House is repealed, with the current Delegate temporarily serving as an extra Maryland representative until reapportionment. The 23rd Amendment (D.C. electoral votes) is repealed.

Title III: Temporary Continuation of Certain Authorities and Responsibilities

• Employee Benefits (Subtitle A): Federal retirement, civil service, and other benefits continue for D.C. employees (e.g., judges, public defenders, parole officers) who transition to Maryland roles. The federal government covers employer contributions.
• Other Programs (Subtitle B): Federal prison placements for D.C. felons continue. College scholarships and opportunity programs for D.C. students persist for current recipients. Federal planning bodies (e.g., National Capital Planning Commission) adapt to include Maryland representation. The Army Corps of Engineers' water supply role extends to the new Maryland territory. Requirements for federal offices or organizations to be in D.C. are satisfied by locations in the Federal District or retroceded area.

Title IV: General Provisions

• Defines "Federal District" as the federal seat of government.
• Existing laws remain unless explicitly changed.
• Effective date: After presidential proclamation and repeal of the 23rd Amendment (whichever is later).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Jurisdictional Shift: Ends Congress's exclusive control over all of D.C. (under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution), transferring most authority to Maryland while keeping federal exclusivity in the small Federal District.
• National Guard and Military: Removes D.C. from Title 32 and Title 10 of the U.S. Code (governing reserves and active duty), transferring assets to Maryland and eliminating D.C.-specific commands.
• Elections and Representation: Repeals the D.C. Delegate Act (1970) and 23rd Amendment, restoring pre-1961 election laws. Temporarily adds a House seat for Maryland without affecting the total 435 members.
• Courts and Justice: Over 50 amendments to Title 28 of the U.S. Code rename and adjust D.C. courts, removing special residency rules and updating venue/jurisdiction references.
• Benefits and Programs: Shifts D.C.-specific obligations (e.g., pensions under the 1997 Revitalization Act) to Maryland or federal continuity, without altering eligibility.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Federal agencies (e.g., courts, planning commissions) must update names, locations, and operations; the National Guard relocates personnel/assets. Maryland assumes D.C.'s local governance, debts, and services, potentially straining state resources but gaining tax base from ~700,000 new residents.
• On Citizens: D.C. residents gain full state voting rights, congressional representation, and Maryland services (e.g., state taxes, laws), but lose D.C.-specific autonomy. Federal District residents (mostly non-residential federal land) vote absentee in prior states. Ongoing benefits like scholarships and pensions protect transitions.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts; the bill focuses on domestic territorial changes.
• Broader Effects: Could reduce federal oversight costs for local D.C. matters while preserving the national capital's neutrality.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• D.C. Residents: Gain representation but face integration into Maryland's laws, taxes, and politics; ~700,000 people affected.
• Maryland Government and Residents: Maryland must accept retrocession, gaining land/population/responsibilities (e.g., courts, prisons) and an extra House seat temporarily; impacts state budget and representation.
• Federal Government: Congress, courts, and agencies (e.g., DOJ, Defense Department) adapt to renamed entities and continued obligations; National Guard personnel transfer.
• Employees and Retirees: D.C. government workers (e.g., judges, defenders) retain federal benefits during transition.
• Federal District Users: Limited to government operations; no residential voting.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Constitutional: Relies on Congress's power over D.C. but ties effectiveness to repealing the 23rd Amendment (via constitutional process), avoiding direct conflict. Reverses 1790 Maryland cession without needing new amendment for retrocession itself. The Federal District maintains the "exclusive legislation" required by Article I, Section 8 for the seat of government.
• Legal: Massive conforming amendments (hundreds across U.S. Code) ensure continuity but could lead to litigation over boundaries, property transfers, or benefit interpretations. Maryland becomes successor for D.C. contracts/compacts, potentially complicating interstate agreements.
• Political: Addresses D.C. voting rights without statehood, appealing to representation advocates but controversial for diluting D.C. identity and altering Maryland's demographics/politics. Temporary House seat increase raises apportionment debates; requires Maryland's consent, adding political hurdles. Neutral on partisanship, but could shift congressional balance via Maryland's added voice.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-10: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-10: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-10: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-10: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act — issued 2025-06-10 — PDF (67 pages)