WASHINGTON, DC – Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote to override democratically enacted local laws:

“Every American should be concerned that the House of Representatives is interfering with local DC self-governance. Today’s move to overturn our laws is not about making the District safer or more just. Today’s actions are political grandstanding and highlight the urgent need for DC statehood. District residents are on notice that lawmakers seek to undermine our democratic process to gain political favor and are substituting uninformed politics for the views of those impacted most, DC residents. As the District’s chief law officer, I will defend any democratically enacted law that is passed and will continue to protect the District against future Congressional interference.”

On Monday, AG Schwalb sent a letter Speaker Kevin McCarthy urging Congress to vote against the proposed resolutions.

A copy of that letter is available here.