[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 134 (Tuesday, August 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOME 
                                RULE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 8, 2023

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Commission of Fine 
Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act. This bill would remove the 
authority of the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) over non-federal real 
property in the District of Columbia.
  Under presidential executive orders (EOs) and federal law, the CFA 
has review authority for D.C.-owned parks and buildings, as well as for 
certain private land in D.C. Under the relevant EOs, CFA has review 
authority for the design of D.C.-owned parks and buildings. Under the 
Shipstead-Luce Act, CFA has review authority for the design of private 
buildings in D.C. ``adjacent to public buildings and grounds of major 
importance,'' such as Rock Creek Park and the Potomac riverfront. Under 
the Old Georgetown Act, the CFA has review authority for the design of 
private buildings in the part of Georgetown referred to as ``Old 
Georgetown'' in the act.
  The federal government, including the CFA, whose members are 
appointed by the President, has no business in D.C. land-use policies 
and decisions unrelated to the federal presence. Not only is the 
federal government's authority over D.C. buildings and private property 
a violation of home rule, it also delays and increases the cost of 
public and private development in D.C.
  This bill is an important step to increase home rule for D.C. I urge 
my colleagues to support it.

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