Norton Introduces Bill to Exempt D.C. Courts, CSOSA, PDS from Federal Government Shutdowns | Congresswoman
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has reintroduced a bill aimed at exempting specific District of Columbia agencies from federal government shutdowns. These agencies, despite being primarily funded by the federal government, deal exclusively with local D.C. matters and are not under the District’s control. Norton argues that they should be shielded from federal shutdowns to ensure the continued provision of essential criminal and civil justice services to D.C. residents. The bill encompasses agencies like the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for D.C., D.C. Courts, D.C. Public Defender Service, D.C. Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure, D.C. Judicial Nomination Commission, and the D.C. Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
Congresswoman Norton has a history of successfully exempting the D.C. government from federal government shutdowns since the 2013 shutdown. She emphasizes that these agencies should not be embroiled in federal shutdown politics when their primary focus is on local matters. The bill aims to prevent disruptions experienced during past shutdowns, such as canceled services and furloughed employees, allowing these agencies to operate without interruption during federal government shutdowns. Norton urges her colleagues to support this crucial legislation, highlighting the importance of protecting the safety and well-being of D.C. residents and maintaining critical local services.
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