H.R. 5183Heading to a voteGovernment & democracy
Bill would double Congress's review window for DC laws to 60 days
Data as of July 11, 2026
The bill would extend congressional review of D.C. laws to 60 days and let Congress block mayoral orders too.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill would extend Congress's review period for most D.C. laws from 30 to 60 days, remove a shorter review track for certain criminal-law changes, and close a loophole allowing the Council to bypass review by repeatedly declaring laws "emergencies." It would also let Congress block part of a law instead of the whole thing, and newly allow Congress to review and block the Mayor's executive orders and regulations. It bars the Council from withdrawing laws from review or re-passing blocked laws without permission, and requires annual "state of the District" testimony from the Council Chair and Mayor.
Who does it affect?
D.C. residents and their local government would be affected, as would members of Congress on relevant House and Senate committees.
Why does it matter?
The changes would expand federal oversight of D.C.'s locally passed laws, executive actions, and regulations, giving Congress more control and additional review responsibilities.
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.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it.
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.
Make the callSee how a call works
Official title
District of Columbia Home Rule Improvement Act of 2025
- Introduced:
- September 8, 2025
- Latest action:
- January 27, 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 396.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.