A new bill introduced by two Republican members of Congress threatens to reverse Washington, D.C.’s hard-won Home Rule, by limiting local control over critical areas such as law enforcement, the city’s budget and policy decisions related to social services and public health.
Known as the “BOWSER Act,” the proposed legislation limits local control over key aspects of D.C.’s policies and administration, such as law enforcement practices, budget decisions, criminal justice reform and local housing policies. If passed, it would strip the city of its ability to make decisions independently of Congress, potentially altering the way the city is governed.
These areas, traditionally managed by the city government, could be subject to increased Congressional oversight or intervention if the bill passes.
Named after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the bill sparked concerns about the erosion of autonomy and self-governance for the nation’s capital. The bill seeks to revoke the D.C. Home Rule Act, which grants the city authority over local laws, its budget and key services.
If passed, the BOWSER Act would grant Congress more control over these decisions, such as limiting D.C.’s ability to pass laws on issues like police reform, tax rates and zoning. D.C. would also lose control over how its budget is spent and could see the imposition of Congressional oversight over local laws.
The BOWSER Act, formerly known as the Bringing Oversight to Washington and Safety to Every Resident (BOWSER) Act, was introduced on Feb. 6, by Rep. Andrew Ogles, R-Tenn., and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.
According to the press release from Ogles, the act is a response to what Ogles described as “the radically progressive regime” of Bowser, which he argued has contributed to growing challenges in the city.
Ogles specifically highlighted what he perceives as a surge in crime, with rising homicide rates, drug overdoses and homelessness, framing these issues as critical factors justifying Congressional intervention.
Ogle said that “D.C. residents deserve better than the crime, chaos and mismanagement that have plagued this city under Mayor Bowser’s leadership.”
According to data from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, homicides in D.C. have increased 29 percent from 2024 to 2025, rising from 21 to 27 incidents. In contrast, violent crime overall has decreased by 26 percent, with notable drops in robbery down 27 percent and assaults with a dangerous weapon down 27 percent.
Additionally, according to Street Sense Media homelessness in D.C. has risen for the second year in a row, increasing by 14 percent from 2023 to 2024. The 2024 Point-In-Time (PIT) count recorded 5,616 homeless individuals in the city, contributing to a regional total of 9,774. The rise is attributed to factors like the end of COVID-era housing protections and the ongoing affordable housing crisis.
Ogles believes that the bill would enable Congress to restore law and order in Washington, D.C., which he argued is necessary to address these pressing problems.
“The people of Washington D.C., have been let down by their local leaders,” Ogles said.
Lee also expressed concern, accusing the D.C. government of corruption and inefficiency.
“The people of Washington, D.C., have been let down by their local leaders. This bill will ensure that the city is once again governed with integrity and accountability,” Lee said in the press release.
Both lawmakers argued that reasserting Congressional control is necessary to bring much-needed oversight to a city they claimed has lost its way under local leadership.
While the BOWSER Act has strong backing from its sponsors, it has also sparked significant opposition, particularly from local leaders who view it as an infringement of their right to self-governance.
U.S. Rep. Oye Owolewa (D) condemned the BOWSER Act, calling it an overreach that undermines D.C.’s autonomy and progress toward statehood.
DC Vote also strongly denounced the bill, co-founder Daniel Solomon said, “The District is not a colony, and D.C. residents are not second-class citizens, we deserve the same rights and freedoms that every American expects, including the right to self-government and a vote in our federal legislature.”
He emphasized that the proposed legislation would silence the voices of D.C. residents and threaten progress on issues like criminal justice reform and economic growth.
Bowser has yet to directly respond to the bill and its criticisms of her efforts as mayor.
During a Feb. 10 event, however, at George Washington University, Bowser reaffirmed her commitment to D.C. statehood, arguing that without it, D.C. residents are treated as second-class citizens. She stressed the city’s unique situation, paying more taxes than most states yet lacking full Congressional representation.
“When important issues, like cabinet nominations, are debated, we have no voice or vote,” Bowser said, emphasizing that full citizenship for D.C. can only be achieved through statehood.
Local leaders, including Owolewa, the shadow representative for D.C., have strongly criticized the BOWSER Act, viewing it as an attack on the city’s autonomy.
Owolewa argued that Lee should focus on the needs of his constituents in Utah rather than interfering in the governance of D.C.
“Senator Lee should be focused on the needs of Utahns rather than meddling in the affairs of D.C. residents,” he said.
Owolewa further condemned the bill as an overreach, emphasizing the importance of self-governance.
He reaffirmed his commitment to defending the rights and autonomy of D.C. residents.
“As a representative of the people of Washington, D.C., I remain committed to defending our autonomy and ensuring that all Americans, regardless of where they live, have their voices heard and their rights respected,” he said.
The Bowser Act is in its early stages, with an uncertain future. The bill’s fate will depend on political support and resistance, particularly from D.C. lawmakers.
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
