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119-s-2688119th Congress

District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act

Sponsored By: Senator Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

Introduced

Summary

Transfers control of the District of Columbia National Guard from the President to the Mayor of D.C. It would give the Mayor the same command and administrative authority that state governors have, including the power to call the Guard for natural disasters and civil disturbances.

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  • Residents and families: The Mayor would be the official who can order the Guard into local service for emergencies and civil unrest, changing who decides when the Guard responds to local incidents.
  • Mayor and D.C. government: The Mayor would become Commander-in-Chief of the D.C. National Guard and gain appointment, retirement, and court-martial authorities that now rest with the President under current statute.
  • Guard members and personnel processes: Officer examinations, appointments, retirements, personnel assignments, and fiscal officer appointments would be processed under the Mayor's authority as specified in amended Title 32 provisions.
  • Federal coordination: Title 10 and Title 32 would be amended so the Mayor serves as the federal point of contact for training failures, National Guard Bureau matters, consent for active duty or relocations, and related federal interactions.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

DC counts as a 'State' for aid

If enacted, this bill would add the District of Columbia to the definition of "State" for a National Guard Additional Assistance law. That would let DC and its Guard units be eligible for assistance tied to that definition. The change would take effect upon enactment and mainly affects the District government and DC Guard members.

Mayor gains DC Guard control

If enacted, this bill would move many DC National Guard powers from the President and commanding general to the Mayor. The Mayor would be Commander-in-Chief for the DC Guard and could appoint the Adjutant General. The Mayor would also gain authority to order Active Guard and Reserve duty, oversee courts-martial, and make personnel, supply, and fiscal appointments. This would take effect upon enactment and mainly affect DC residents, Guard members, and the District government.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

MD • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

    VT • I

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

    VT • D

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]

    WI • D

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 9/11/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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