Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act
Summary
The Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act proposes the retrocession of most of the District of Columbia to Maryland, while retaining a Federal District encompassing key federal buildings and monuments. This would effectively return legislative authority over the residential and commercial areas of D.C. to Maryland. The Act addresses various legal and administrative aspects of this transition, including the status of federal employees, courts, and ongoing legal proceedings.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the majority of Washington D.C. would become part of Maryland, granting its residents full representation in Congress and the Electoral College. The Federal District would remain under federal control, housing the core governmental functions. This would necessitate significant legal and administrative adjustments to ensure a smooth transition.
Potential Benefits
- D.C. residents would gain full voting representation in Congress as citizens of Maryland.
- Maryland would gain additional tax revenue and economic activity from the retroceded area.
- The Act seeks to ensure continuity of federal benefits for certain D.C. employees during the transition.
- The Federal District would remain secure and under federal control.
- The Act addresses the continuation of essential services and programs during the transition period.
Potential Disadvantages
- The creation of a separate Federal District could create administrative complexities.
- Maryland may face increased costs and responsibilities associated with absorbing the retroceded territory.
- Current D.C. government employees may face uncertainty regarding their future employment.
- Residents within the new Federal District would lose local representation.
- The transition could disrupt existing legal and administrative frameworks.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act raises constitutional questions regarding Article I, Section 2, which dictates that House members are chosen by the people of the several states. Retrocession aims to grant D.C. residents representation by making them citizens of Maryland. The Twenty-third Amendment, granting D.C. electors in the Electoral College, would be repealed, aligning with the retrocession. The Act's provisions for maintaining a Federal District align with the federal government's need to maintain control over its core functions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).