The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CLEMENCY HOME RULE ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on pages E503-E504 on May 30.
The Department is one of the oldest in the US, focused primarily on law enforcement and the federal prison system. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, detailed wasteful expenses such as $16 muffins at conferences and board meetings.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
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
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
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. crimes, though rarely do so. D.C. residents deserve a say in whether their fellow residents deserve mercy. Last 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
(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.
This bill would remove all doubt that D.C., and not the president, has the authority to grant clemency for D.C. crimes. D.C. should have full control over its local criminal justice system, the most basic responsibility of local government, like the states and territories have over their criminal justice systems. Since the D.C. Council has the authority to enact local laws, D.C. officials are in the best position to grant clemency for D.C. crimes. This bill would give D.C. the discretion to establish its own clemency system.
This bill is an important step in establishing additional autonomy for D.C. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
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