Washington, DC—Once again, another member of Congress has decided to infringe on DC’s local autonomy. This time, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced his so-called “Bowser Act” aimed at repealing DC home rule. The Bowser Act, if passed, would immediately remove all of DC’s elected officials, including our mayor, council members, Attorney General and myself, from office. This follows Rep Ogle’s legislation aimed at defunding Rep Oye’s office and upcoming election.
Senator Lee’s latest attack on DC’s democracy comes a week after the arrest of Ward 8 Council member Trayon White. Councilmember White’s legal situation may serve as inspiration for congressional attacks like this on DC’s self governance. Lacking Statehood, DC residents don’t have final say over our laws, lack control over our resources and ultimately pay taxes without representation. DC’s Home Rule Act of 1973 established a local governing body for residents living in our nation’s capital.
“We must condemn the latest action by Senator Lee” says Rep Oye “The Bowser Act is another cheap shot at DC residents who deserve full representation. Our mayor and council members were elected by the people of DC. The last thing we need are national legislators who we in DC did not elect meddling into our local affairs. DC’s Home Rule is critical for our ability to handle our own issues. DC remains home for some of the best and brightest and we deserve to find solutions for our issues without congressional overreach. DC Statehood is the only way to protect us from these types of assaults on our local democracy.”
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Dr. Oye Owolewa is a licensed pharmacist, nature explorer and current U.S. Representative of Washington, DC. Upon his Nov. 2020 Election victory, Dr. Oye became the first Nigerian-American elected to federal office. Now as U.S. Representative, his primary focuses include improving health care, DC statehood, justice reform and income equality. As Representative, Rep Oye collaborates with non-profit organizations to bring resources to the most marginalized communities in the District and uses his platform to increase the involvement of young people. In addition to being DC’s Voice for Statehood, Rep Oye is working with community groups to help returning citizens go through the process of sealing their criminal records and educating minority and/or women business owners on the grant process. Rep Oye fights for today’s DC while preparing his constituents for the DC of tomorrow.
