H.R. 5179Heading to a voteCrime & justice
Bill would let president appoint D.C.'s attorney general, not voters
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 5179 would replace D.C.'s elected Attorney General with a presidential appointee, ending the current officeholder's term immediately.40-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill would change D.C.'s Attorney General from an elected position to one appointed by the President without Senate approval. The appointee would serve at the President's will, with the term ending when the President's term ends. It would also immediately end the current elected Attorney General's term upon enactment.
Who does it affect?
D.C.'s roughly 700,000 residents, who would lose the ability to vote for this office. The D.C. Attorney General's office, which handles consumer protection, civil rights enforcement, and local prosecutions, is also affected.
Why does it matter?
The change shifts control over a locally elected D.C. office to the federal government, ending direct resident input on who leads local legal enforcement. It is likely to be viewed differently by supporters and critics of D.C. home rule.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote — You are here
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: it's headed for a House floor vote. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
District of Columbia Attorney General Appointment Reform Act of 2025
- Introduced:
- September 8, 2025
- Latest action:
- September 30, 2025
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 270.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.