[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 164 (Monday, October 6, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E934-E935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CLEMENCY HOME RULE ACT

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 6, 2025

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the District of Columbia 
Clemency Home Rule Act, which would give the District of Columbia 
exclusive authority to grant clemency for D.C. crimes. Currently, the 
president exercises the authority to grant clemency for D.C.

[[Page E935]]

crimes, though presidents rarely do so. D.C. residents deserve a say in 
whether their fellow residents deserve mercy. In the 117th Congress, 
the House Committee on Oversight and Reform passed this bill as part of 
the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 (H.R. 8861).
  While D.C. law appears to give the mayor authority to grant clemency 
for certain D.C. crimes (D.C. Code 1-301.76), under current practice, 
clemency petitions for D.C. crimes, like federal crimes, are submitted 
to the Department of Justice for the president's consideration.
  The states and territories have full control over their criminal 
justice systems, including clemency. D.C. also should have full control 
over its criminal justice system. Since the D.C. Council has authority 
to enact local D.C. laws, D.C. officials are in the best position to 
grant clemency for D.C. crimes. This bill would give D.C. authority to 
use any type of clemency system.
  This bill is an important step in expanding D.C. home rule. I urge my 
colleagues to support it.

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