House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer and Representative August Pfluger have expressed approval following the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of H.R. 884. This legislation aims to prevent non-U.S. citizens from voting in local elections in Washington, D.C.
Chairman Comer stated, "It’s common sense that only American citizens should have the right to vote. Allowing noncitizens to vote in D.C. elections undermines the defining privilege of American citizenship and dilutes the right of American citizens to elect the candidates who best represent them." He emphasized that passing H.R. 884 is a significant step towards empowering American citizens in D.C. and restoring lawfulness in the capital.
Rep. Pfluger also commented on the importance of maintaining electoral integrity: “Free and fair elections are a prerequisite for a healthy republic. The radical DC Council’s decision to allow noncitizens—including illegal aliens and foreign agents—to vote in local elections dilutes the voting power of the citizen voter." He expressed satisfaction with the House Republicans' action, highlighting that it moves closer to ensuring only American citizens participate in voting within Washington, D.C.
The background context includes a November 2022 decision by D.C., which enacted a law allowing noncitizens to vote locally, known as the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act (D.C. Act 24-640). Previously, on February 9, 2023, Chairman Comer introduced a resolution opposing this act, gaining support from both parties in the House but failing to advance in the Senate.
